Millbrook, one of Europe’s leading independent test and technology centres for vehicles and vehicle systems, will join a UK industry consortium to develop a new class of zero-emission, light commercial vehicle (LCV). By integrating fuel cell technology into battery electric vehicles, the consortium will deliver the capability to provide LCVs with significantly improved range and rapid refuelling.
The three-year project will develop validated systems and vehicle conversion expertise ready for volume manufacture. The goal is also to provide fleet operators with a solution that enables vehicle operation for extended periods whilst being emissions free at the tailpipe.
The consortium, led by energy technology group Intelligent Energy, will receive a £6.3m grant from the APC as part of its £12.7m project. The other partners comprise Frost Electronics, Frost EV, CENEX, British Gas and DHL.
The collaborative project minimises technical and commercial risk by initially targeting captive and commercial fleet operators. It will provide a package that can be integrated into vehicles as an end-of-line fitment at an OEM, or through a new-vehicle conversion facility, or by retro-fitting at approved centres.