- First Hydrogen has begun monthlong vehicle trials with gas distribution network, Wales & West Utilities
- The Canadian EV stock’s hydrogen fuel-cell-powered vehicle has been designed to meet the needs of fleet operators that seek a zero emissions vehicle that can manage long distances, carry heavy payloads and tow, with fast refuelling
- The trials could also generate data to indicate the vehicle’s advantage over battery electric vehicles in lower temperatures
- First Hydrogen opened trading at C$1.55 per share
First Hydrogen (TSXV:FHYD) has begun monthlong vehicle trials with gas distribution network, Wales & West Utilities.
The Canadian EV stock’s hydrogen fuel-cell-powered vehicle has been designed to meet the needs of fleet operators that seek a zero emissions vehicle that can manage long distances, carry heavy payloads and tow, with fast refuelling. First Hydrogen’s vehicles can achieve more than 630 kilometres on a single refuelling.
The First Hydrogen trials are taking place during winter, Wales & West Utilities’ busiest period for emergency call-outs. The team explained that cold temperatures can reduce the range for battery electric vehicles, which can affect fleet operators’ reliability. The trials could also generate data to indicate the vehicle’s advantage over battery electric vehicles in lower temperatures.
While completing First Hydrogen’s driver training accreditation, drivers performed manoeuvres with the vehicle and completed a call-out to a customer’s residence.
“Our hydrogen fuel-cell-powered vehicle has clear benefits for utility businesses, such as Wales & West Utilities, and we’re keen to generate performance data during the trial that will further demonstrate how our vehicles can help decarbonize similar fleets while meeting everyday operational demands,” Steve Gill, executive director automotive at First Hydrogen, said in a news release. “This trial also pilots a hydrogen-as-a-service model to show operators how practically we can support the transition to hydrogen fuel-cell-powered vehicle fleets. With the support of Protium and Hyppo Hydrogen Solutions, we are building a green hydrogen fuel ecosystem for Wales & West Utilities, who are based in an area without access to refuelling infrastructure.”
Stephen Offley, transport manager at Wales & West Utilities, added: “The current light commercial electric vehicle market does not offer a full solution for the operational needs of Wales & West Utilities and similar businesses. Current battery electric vehicles do not provide the range, fast recharging time, payload capacity and towing ability we require. They are also unsuitable for the installation of ‘on-board power’ to power tools and equipment on site, which is critical for the operation of our network. Lack of suitable recharging infrastructure also poses a challenge. We see hydrogen-powered vehicles, such as First Hydrogen’s hydrogen fuel-cell-powered vehicle as the potential zero emission solution that will meet our fleet’s future needs.”
Wales & West Utilities supplies gas to more than 7.5 million customers across Wales and the south west of England.
First Hydrogen is dedicated to producing and distributing green hydrogen and zero-emission vehicles.
First Hydrogen opened trading at C$1.55 per share.
Join the discussion: Find out what everybody’s saying about this Canadian EV stock on the First Hydrogen Bullboard, and check out the rest of Stockhouse’s stock forums and message boards.
The material provided in this article is for information only and should not be treated as investment advice. For full disclaimer information, please click here.
