First Hydrogen Automotive has extended its consulting relationship with FEV Group of Aachen Germany to define the technology leadership strategy for its fleet of bespoke hydrogen fuel cell-powered light commercial vehicles and other potential vehicles based on our proprietary designs.
This will enable First Hydrogen Automotive to plan the definitive designs and production facilities of its vehicles. More specifically FEV will advise on target product specifications, software-led functionality, including advanced driver-assistance systems/autonomous driving systems (ADAS/AD)/connectivity functionality and electrics & electronics architecture, and assessment of the product concept hardware options in terms of design, layout, materials, manufacturing and platform modularity, it said in a statement.
In April 2022, the UK government announced plans to double hydrogen production to 10 GW by 2030, with at least 5 GW to come from green hydrogen (produced in electrolyzers which split water into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity generated by wind and other renewables).
First Hydrogen plans to contribute to these targets with up to four production sites, with each site having a refueling station for commercial vehicles and passenger cars. Initial production capacity estimates are between 80 MW to 160 MW for the four sites.
Nicholas Wrigley, chairman, First Hydrogen Ltd said, “We are very excited as First Hydrogen Automotive takes another step forward to decarbonization and providing a sustainable energy-powered vehicle.
“We are utilizing MAN eTGE vans for our demonstrators to build customer following and bespoke design references and this new phase of development will define First Hydrogen’s own vehicle design interior and exterior, optimized for hydrogen and fuel cell powertrains.”
Wrigley noted that the firm’s energy division is working to develop refueling and green hydrogen production sites in Liverpool, Manchester, London and the Thames Estuary, which will serve our customers’ fleet of vehicles and other users of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.
“I believe the Company’s strategy, from vehicles to hydrogen production will contribute to the world’s climate change initiatives.”
