Fleets will have the opportunity to put a hydrogen van through its paces when First Hydrogen hosts its first ever track day to showcase its hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCEVs).

Taking place at the end of October at Horiba Mira, near Coventry, some 20 fleets which collectively own and manage more than a quarter of a million vehicles, have been invited to drive its 3.5 tonne demonstrator vehicles.

Fleet News recently put First Hydrogen’s prototype fuel cell van to the test. Read the full review here. 

The track day also aims to provide attendees with the opportunity to discuss the practicalities of introducing FCEVs into their own zero emission fleets.

The vehicles have already undergone road trials with fleet management company Rivus and energy company SSE and are currently undertaking operations with major parcel delivery companies.

SSE completed its four-week trial of the First Hydrogen fuel cell van in July, becoming the second UK business to generate real-world data following Rivus in May.

The utilities company has a target of achieving net carbon zero by 2030 and its 3,000-vehicle fleet is a focal point of this Net Zero Action Plan. Despite only starting in 2019, SSE has already transitioned almost 40% of its fleet to electric, totalling more than 1,100 units.

But it recognises that battery electric is not the only solution it will need to utilise, hence the eagerness to test hydrogen fuel cell.

Following the trial, Scott Bell, regional fleet, FM and logistics manager, SSE, told Fleet News: “The feedback from drivers has been really good. They are pleased with the way it drives – it’s smooth and responsive – and they are getting very similar range to a diesel van, even with a full load. They were surprised by both how quiet the van is and how quick it is to refuel.”

First Hydrogen says that more than 15 major fleet operators are on the waiting list to trial the vehicles in their own fleets.

The track event, it says will enable it to demonstrate the vehicles’ capabilities to multiple organisations in one day.

The invitation-only event is targeting major van fleet operators, including members of the UK Aggregated Hydrogen Freight Consortium (AHFC).

The AHFC is a partnership of UK hydrogen industry and mobility companies, which is led by Element Energy with input from global industrial members of UK H2Mobility.

It works with large fleet operators and the government to accelerate the commercial roll-out of FCEVs and hydrogen refuelling infrastructure to decarbonise high-mileage and heavy-duty van and truck fleets.

Steve Gill, CEO for First Hydrogen Automotive, said: “We have been bowled over by the interest we’ve received from fleet operators in trialling our vehicles, with more than 15 companies on the waiting list.

“The race is on for fleets to meet emissions targets and this event gives these fleet managers the opportunity to get behind the wheel and understand the range, use cases and benefits of FCEVs compared to other alternative fuel vehicles.

“Our aim is for attending fleet managers and operational specialists to leave with a clearer view on the capabilities of First Hydrogen and our hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, which will inform decision making on the purchase of zero emissions fleets.

“If we see sustained interest from prospective customers, there is potential for us to use this format as a template for a series of similar track events in the future, with the ambition for us to take the vehicles into Europe and North America.”