A Renault Master Van H2-Tech prototype that offers up to a 500km (311-mile) range has been revealed by the Hyvia joint venture set up earlier this year by Renault and Plug Power.
Available from 2022, the van offers zero CO2 emissions, a fast refuelling time, along with 12m3 of cargo volume.
It’s equipped with a 30kW fuel cell, 33kWh battery and four tanks containing 6kg of hydrogen combined, and will target commercial vehicle operators looking to run high loads and mileage not easily compatible with today’s battery electric vehicles.
It will be produced entirely in France; the van itself is being built at Renault’s Batilly plant, while electric and hydrogen integration is completed by PVI, a Renault Group subsidiary based in Gretz-Armainvilliers. The electric motor is produced at the Cleon plant, while the fuel cell assembly will begin at the Flins plant by the end of 2021. The hydrogen tanks are sourced from Faurecia.
The new van is one of three fuel cell-powered LCV prototypes being worked on by Hyvia. It’s also developing a large van with more cargo space (19m3) and a range of around 155 miles (250km).
And Hyvia is working on its Master Citybus H2-Tech concept; an urban minibus that can carry up to 15 passengers, enabling its use with businesses, municipalities and local public services, and with a range of 186 miles (300km).
The van has been unveiled alongside Hyvia’s first Hydrogen refuelling station, illustrating its plans for a complete hydrogen ecosystem, including green hydrogen production and distribution, alongside its range of fuel cell-powered light commercial vehicles.
The hydrogen refuelling stations will be available to purchase, lease or rent and are designed to bring fast fuelling times of around five minutes, similar to ICE vehicles.
David Holderbach, CEO of Hyvia, said: “I am proud to unveil our first hydrogen prototypes. Hyvia, it’s about hydrogen mobility solutions for a tailor-made offer to our customers to meet the challenges of hydrogen mobility. Hyvia will be able to deploy its entire ecosystem in all territories and professional fleets for a carbon-free mobility. Hyvia is moving fast, bringing together the strengths and skills of two leaders: Renault Group & Plug Power.”
