Opel introduced the new generation light commercial vehicle model Vivaro-e HYDROGEN with rechargeable fuel cell technology. While Vivaro-e HYDROGEN provides zero-emission transportation, it also draws attention with its very short charging time. Opel Vivaro-e HYDROGEN, which offers a carrying capacity of up to 6,1 cubic meters just like its diesel and battery electric versions, can be charged in 3 minutes. This time corresponds to the same fill time as a conventional diesel or gasoline car. The range of the Opel Vivaro-e HYDROGEN is over 400 kilometers. Opel, which will offer two different body length options for the Vivaro-e HYDROGEN, 4,95 meters and 5,30 meters, aims to bring the first vehicles to the roads in the autumn.
German automotive manufacturer Opel introduced the new generation light commercial vehicle model Vivaro-e HYDROGEN. Opel Vivaro-e HYDROGEN, which has rechargeable fuel cell technology, provides zero-emission transportation and also draws attention with its charging in a very short time. While Vivaro-e HYDROGEN does not compromise on the expectations of the segment it addresses with its features, it carries important messages about Opel's zero emission vehicle vision.
“There is no other powertrain that offers zero emissions, long range and fast charging”
“Hydrogen can be the key element of an integrated and efficient energy system in a fossil fuel-free future,” Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller said, “We have more than 20 years of experience in hydrogen fuel cell vehicle technologies. “There is hardly any other powertrain in the world that combines zero emissions, long driving range and the privilege of charging in just three minutes.”
Advantages of the rechargeable fuel cell concept
The concept of the new fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) is based on the battery-electric Opel Vivaro-e with two sliding side doors. The rechargeable fuel cell system in the Vivaro-e HYDROGEN provides the integration of the fuel cell system with the existing powertrain system under the hood of the vehicle. By replacing the battery of Vivaro-e BEV with three 700 bar hydrogen tanks; The carbon fiber cylinders are filled in just three minutes and have a range of over 400 km (WLTP). Thanks to this cleverly implemented system, the fuel cell electric light commercial vehicle version offers the same handling features as the battery electric version. Both versions retain the same cargo volume of 5,3 to 6,1 cubic meters and a loading capacity of up to 1.100 kilograms without any changes to the fuselage.
Lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 10,5 kWh provides additional power
Opel Vivaro-e HYDROGEN produces the energy required for road driving with its 45 kW fuel cell, while the lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 10,5 kWh placed under the front seats provides additional power in driving conditions where power is required such as starting off or accelerating. In such cases, the fuel cell can operate under optimum operating conditions, as the battery meets the power requirement. While the battery offers regenerative braking, the charging solution also allows charging the battery, for example at a charging station. In addition, the battery offers an all-electric driving range of 50 km.
All light commercial vehicle models of Opel will be electrified at the end of the year
The Vivaro-e HYDROGEN will be manufactured in Rüsselsheim by Opel Special Vehicles (OSV). The global “Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Competence Center” of parent company Stellantis is also within Opel. The Vivaro-e HYDROGEN completes the Vivaro-e and Combo-e as the newest member of Opel's fully electric LCV family. The next model to be added to the lineup, the new Movano-e, will also be available in 2021. In other words, the brand's entire light commercial vehicle portfolio will be electrified by the end of this year. Opel will offer an electric version of all its passenger and light commercial models by 2024.
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