Siemens Mobility has introduced a dual-fuel field-services van to its fleet on a trial basis, in partnership with Aberdeen City Council.
The converted Renault Master has been fitted with a green hydrogen fuel tank for use in combination with conventional diesel fuel. This allows it to achieve up to 180mpg in dual-fuel mode, with diesel-only operation available as a back-up.
It takes less than 10 minutes to refuel with green hydrogen, which is produced from renewable energy sources and reduces carbon emissions.
Wilke Reints, managing director of Intelligent Traffic Systems for Siemens Mobility, said: “There is significant benefit to using green hydrogen as a fuel source for transport. We are all aware that the current energy economy is not sustainable and the level of air pollution is a constant concern.
“We are delighted to be partnering with Aberdeen City Council - in a city where the energy industry is of paramount importance - to explore an innovative, affordable and environmentally-friendly solution to powering our important field services fleet.
“Using hydrogen as a fuel source creates real potential to reduce the impact of travelling by road on the environment.”
In October, Siemens Mobility announced global plans to develop and offer hydrogen systems for the rail industry and the company says it has “well-advanced” plans to launch hydrogen and battery-powered trains in Scotland and the rest of the UK.
Aberdeen City Council hydrogen spokesman Councillor Philip Bell added: “It is very fitting that the van will be out and about in the area as Aberdeen is not only the energy capital of Europe but we are also a leader and pioneer of hydrogen technologies. We are delighted to enter this partnership with Siemens Mobility which will encourage greater uptake in the private sector.
“Greater use of hydrogen is part of our Net Zero Vision which supports Aberdeen’s leading role in energy transition – the city is already leading the way in the UK in developing and deploying renewable technologies to combat global warning and climate change.”
The van, which on average travels 1,000 miles per month around Aberdeen, will be used by Siemens Mobility’s traffic signal maintenance teams to carry out routine installation and service works. It is expected to enter service next month. If the trial is successful, the company will look to introduce the same technology to new additions to its fleet in Aberdeen.
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Matt has been an automotive journalist for eight years. As senior staff writer he is responsible for the automotive content on Fleet News and also contributes to Automotive Management. Prior to this, Matt worked in the automotive industry for 10 years.
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