OPEL

Vivaro-e HYDROGEN: is the first light commercial hydrogen vehicle of brand

The first production hydrogen light commercial vehicle is ready. The first Opel Vivaro-e HYDROGEN to roll off the assembly line will begin operating without emissions in the fleet of German premium home appliance manufacturer Miele. This lightning brand fuel cell electric vehicle will develop its work in the Rhine-Main region. Opel CEO Uwe Hochgeschurtz and Marcus Lott, Head of Development, attended the inauguration of the production line for this hydrogen model in Rüsselsheim.

“With the new Opel Vivaro-e HYDROGEN we have opened a new chapter in our sustainable mobility offensive. This smart concept combines the advantages of hydrogen fuel cell propulsion with the versatility and capabilities of our best-selling light commercial vehicle,” explains Hochgeschurtz at Opel's headquarters in Rüsselsheim.

Head of Development Marcus Lott adds: “The new Vivaro-e HYDROGEN perfectly meets the needs of customers operating fleets. Hydrogen vans are the ideal solution for covering long distances with zero emissions, as well as for transporting large loads without wasting time while the batteries are being charged. The Opel Vivaro-e HYDROGEN leads zero-emission mobility into the future, especially for commercial use.”

A smart concept: zero emissions, long range and fast refueling...The Vivaro-e HYDROGEN is based on the current 100% electric Opel Vivaro-e, awarded as ‘International Van of the Year 2021’. With full hydrogen tanks, its range exceeds 400 kilometers (WLTP). The 45 kW fuel cell is capable of generating enough energy for continuous freeway driving. Its refueling takes just three minutes to charge hydrogen, about the same time it takes to refuel a conventional diesel or gasoline vehicle.

The 10.5 kWh Li-Ion battery provides a large peak power when it is needed, for example, when leaving when parked and when accelerating. As the battery covers the energy needs in these situations, the fuel cell can function in optimal conditions. Thanks to the battery it also takes advantage of regenerative braking, while its 'plug-in' condition also offers the opportunity to charge the battery externally if necessary, for example at a charging point, providing 50 km of 100% electric autonomy . The Vivaro-e HYDROGEN has a 3-phase on-board charger (11 kW) and a Mode 2 charging cable as standard.

Thanks to an intelligent mechanical assembly, the Vivaro-e HYDROGEN does not compromise the load space compared to combustion engine versions, with up to 5.3 and 6.1 m3 of cargo volume. The fuel cell electric light commercial vehicle is available in lengths M and L (4.95 and 5.30 meters) with up to 1000 kg payload.

Like its 100% electric and internal combustion engine siblings, the Vivaro-e HYDROGEN has an unusual variety of driving assistance systems to offer great safety. Its equipment includes a 180-degree panoramic rear view camera, alerts for the presence of vehicles in blind spots and Park Pilot in the front and rear.

The Navi Pro Multimedia infotainment system works via voice commands or from the color touchscreen, being compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The navigation system has maps of Europe, dynamic guide and TMC. Allows you to acclimatize the passenger compartment during charging via ‘OpelConnect’ and schedule charging times from the ‘myOpel’ application.

The new Vivaro-e HYDROGEN benefits from more than 20 years' experience in the development of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles at Opel and Stellantis. Production falls on Opel's Special Vehicles (OSV) division in Rüsselsheim. With the new Vivaro-e HYDROGEN, Opel continues its electrification offensive. Customers can choose from Opel's range of light commercial vehicles the type of propulsion that best suits their needs. The Vivaro-e HYDROGEN complements the Combo-e, Vivaro-e and Movano-e 100% electric vans that are already available on request.

The new Vivaro-e HYDROGEN is expected to arrive in the European market in 2024.

Autonews