Arval has announced a series of roadshows that will take place across the UK throughout 2019 to raise awareness of hydrogen cars.

The 'Arval Hydrogen Roadshow – Driving Innovation, Investment and A Cleaner Future' will visit five locations, starting with Swindon on April 12, before moving on to Oxford on May 17, Leeds on June 28, Birmingham on October 16 and London later in the year. 

Registration for the first event, which is taking place at National Trust property Heelis, can be found online.

The focus of the roadshow will be to share Arval’s expertise in hydrogen cars, built through its involvement in a Swindon-based project called the Hydrogen Hub, which researches the viability of fuel cell technology for a range of domestic, commercial and transport applications in real world conditions.

Arval’s senior business manager Paul Marchment said: “Thanks to the work we’ve done with the Hydrogen Hub, we have considerable expertise in running hydrogen cars. It is our aim and passion to share this knowledge through these roadshows.

“At each location, we want to reach audiences that together can help drive positive change – for example, businesses, the public, local politicians. 

"We want to show them hydrogen vehicles from manufacturers such as Toyota and Hyundai, and explain how the technology works.  Once you know more about the technology, you are more likely to adopt and champion it.

“Right now, the Hydrogen Hub runs seven hydrogen cars with a range of fleet customers.  

"So while in its infancy – and notwithstanding that vehicle production needs to increase to cut purchase price, and that the refuelling infrastructure needs to improve – we believe that with the right backing from the public, businesses, government and manufacturers, the demand for hydrogen will increase and that will help drive a more sustainable future for all.”

The roadshows each run for one day, divided into a morning and afternoon session.  In the morning, around 150 invited delegates will hear from hydrogen experts, fleet operators using the vehicles, and car manufacturers including Hyundai, Toyota and Riversimple.  The afternoon is open to all, with the cars being the star of the show.

Arval’s parent company, BNP Paribas UK, is funding the roadshows across as part of its dual commitment to serve the UK economy and invest in UK society, particularly through championing projects that help lead to a more sustainable future.

Hydrogen Hub’s manager Clare Jackson said: “We are very excited to offer the opportunity to businesses, local authorities and the public to learn about hydrogen vehicles and test the technology.

"Having the ability for zero-carbon tailpipe emissions while not requiring the consumer to change their behaviour in any way, we hope the events will raise awareness and demonstrate the benefits of the technology.

“We need to grow the market for hydrogen and fuel cell industry and ensure that the UK remains at the forefront of this development as it can play a very important role in decarbonisation of the UK economy.”

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