Arval hydrogen roadshow takes place in Birmingham next month

Arval UK is bringing its hydrogen roadshow to Birmingham on October 16, to raise awareness of the benefits of hydrogen cars.

Vehicles from Arval’s Government-backed project, called the Hydrogen Hub, will be on show.

The project, which researches the viability of fuel cell technology for a range of domestic, commercial and transport applications in real world conditions, is at the heart of the project.

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

“In all the locations we are visiting, we want to reach audiences that can help to drive positive change – for example, businesses, the public and local politicians.

“We want to show them hydrogen production vehicles that are being used today and explain how the technology works.

“Once people know more about the advantages of hydrogen, it is our belief that they will be much more likely to adopt and promote it, which is why it is so pleasing to bringing the roadshow to Birmingham.

“Right now, the Hydrogen Hub runs nine hydrogen cars with a range of fleet customers and their experience has been very positive.

“There are issues to overcome – vehicle production needs to increase to cut purchase price and that the refuelling infrastructure needs to improve - but we believe that with greater understanding, demand for hydrogen will increase and help to drive a more sustainable future for all.”

Arval’s hydrogen roadshow will have visited five locations in total. Visits to Swindon in April, Oxford in May and Leeds in June will now be followed by next month’s Birmingham stop, with the show finishing in London on November 6.

The event will Take place at Birmingham University, being split into two sessions.

In the morning, invited delegates are expected in Oxford to hear from hydrogen experts, fleet operators using the vehicles, and car manufacturers including Hyundai, Toyota and Riversimple.

The afternoon is open to the public with a range of hydrogen production cars being available to examine.