First Hydrogen has revealed the new images outlining the vision for its Generation II concept vehicle, which will be available with either fuel cell electric or battery electric drive trains. The sketches show the design process that the Company is undertaking with the EDAG group.
The images show the vehicle’s overall form in greater detail and indicate some of the van’s technical assets, states the release.
As well as the vertical taillights and branded daytime running lights, which were revealed earlier this year, the new illustrations exhibit an aerodynamic fuselage.
They also show muscular and dynamic fenders and a large front grill, which is both functional and stylish. Incorporating First Hydrogen branding, the grill provides the necessary ventilation for the vehicle’s front located fuel cell.
While First Hydrogen trials its Generation I fuel cell electric vehicle, the Generation II concepts are being developed.
The Generation I launched last year and are currently undergoing mileage accumulation and evaluation before entering trails with major fleet operators in the UK. The road trials for Generation I are managed in conjunction with the UK Aggregated Hydrogen Freight Consortium.
Steve Gill, CEO of Automotive for First Hydrogen, says: “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.”
The release highlights that members cover a variety of sectors including grocery, roadside assistance, utilities, construction and express delivery and trial participants will use First Hydrogen’s demonstrator vehicles alongside their existing fleets to evaluate the benefits of different vehicle technologies.
The company has said that the data and feedback gained during these trials will influence the design and engineering of the company’s future vehicles to ensure designs meet customer needs.
Bernat Costa, Design Director at EDAG Spain, comments: “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.”
The global light commercial market is projected to reach USD 751.86 billion by 2030, increasing at a compound rate of 5.1% during the forecast period (2022-2030).
First Hydrogen has said that it is targeting the commercial van market and light commercial vehicle sector to support fleet operators to move away from fossil fuels and invest in zero emission transport.
Source: First Hydrogen
