First Hydrogen Corp. has unveiled the design of its Generation II zero emissions vehicle concept that looks to decarbonise fleet transport.
The company’s revolutionary Generation II zero emission vehicle will be powered by either fuel cell electric or battery electric drive trains and will target the commercial van and light commercial vehicle markets to help fleet operators transition from fossil fuels to green transport options.
The latest images highlight the design process that First Hydrogen is performing with global mobility experts EDAG Group.
Steve Gill, CEO of Automotive for First Hydrogen, commented: “We are delighted to present a first look at the new concept vehicle and are proud of its clean, functional, and modern design. The aerodynamic design and overall proportions have been shaped to consider operations on highways and in urban environments.
“We have taken a particular focus on the lighting, ensuring high visibility for drivers and other road users – this is especially important for use by delivery, utilities, and roadside assistance companies – but also make the vehicles instantly recognisable as First Hydrogen.”
First Hydrogen is poised to capitalise on a $750bn industry
If countries around the world are to achieve global decarbonisation targets, significantly reducing emissions in the transport sector will be crucial.
Research from McKinsey & Company suggests that the transport sector is the second-largest industrial emitter of greenhouse gases, with commercial vehicles accounting for a third of transportation emissions.
Moreover, although there were over six million sales of electric passenger cars in the US in 2021, there were only 200,000 zero emission light commercial vehicles, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable fleets.
First Hydrogen looks to capitalise on this opportunity with its groundbreaking Generation II zero emission vehicle technology.
It is forecasted that the light commercial vehicle market will be worth $751.86bn by 2030, increasing at a compound annual growth rate of 5.1%.
The industry is projected to grow even further as governments worldwide aim to achieve emissions-reduction ambitions by switching to zero emission vehicles and investing in advanced infrastructure.
Generation II zero emissions vehicle revealed
The new images of the company’s Generation II zero emissions vehicle detail its vertical taillights, branded daytime running lights, and aerodynamic fuselage.
The vehicle also comprises an aerodynamic fuselage. They also show muscular and dynamic fenders and a large front grill that provides ventilation for its front-located fuel cell.
First Hydrogen is developing the Generation II concepts while its Generation I fuel cell electric vehicles are being trialled. Generation I are currently undergoing mileage accumulation and evaluation before entering trials with major UK fleet operators.
These road trials are managed in conjunction with the UK Aggregated Hydrogen Freight Consortium (AHFC), whose members cover a variety of sectors, including grocery, roadside assistance, utilities, construction, and express delivery.
Trial participants will employ First Hydrogen’s zero emissions vehicle alongside their existing fleets to evaluate the benefits of different vehicle technologies. The data obtained from this will help to optimise the vehicle’s design to meet consumer needs.
Bernat Costa, Design Director at EDAG Spain, concluded: “We have taken great care to reflect the modern and clean energy values First Hydrogen represents in the vehicle design. The pure and minimalist design meets functional needs and accommodates the technical requirements of hydrogen propulsion. We have also created a design suited to modular builds, providing operational flexibility through a range of sizes and potential bespoke elements.”
