Fleet Assist prepares its garage network for hydrogen adopters

Fleet Assist has started to prepare its garage network to support fleets that are early adopters of hydrogen vehicles.

So far it has nine garages capable of working on hydrogen powertrains across its 5,100 strong Fleet Assist garage network and has recently received its first call from a company car driver looking to service their hydrogen car.

Following the recent launch of the new Toyota Mirai, Fleet Assist expects the interest in hydrogen to continue to increase and complement the growth of EVs.

There has also been recent news from Stellantis and Land Rover on launching a van and 4x4 products, which has helped hydrogen become a talking point in recent weeks.

“Following work to get our garage network EV ready over the past few years our next challenge is staying one step ahead of those fleets that wish to operate hydrogen vehicles. We are already working closely with Toyota and Hyundai who currently offer the only two cars available in the UK to service our customers’ cars.

“In the short term we expect our network to grow as further garages come on board to support the new models. Longer term we believe the independent and fast fit garage network will be able to accommodate these needs as more hydrogen vehicles are being launched,” explained Chris Crow, Fleet Assist’s head of network.

Fleet Assist has also been talking to the IMI about a formal qualification for garages servicing hydrogen cars as currently there is no stand-alone formal course to attend or qualification on offer. Fleet Assist envisages an equivalent of the IMI Level 2 qualification in Hybrid Electric Vehicle Operation and Maintenance which technicians must have to qualify to join the Fleet Assist EV network.

“Its early days but we have started talking to the IMI about training as we believe hydrogen will become the next big thing alongside EVs as fleets continue to reduce their vehicle environmental footprint,” added Crow.