First Hydrogen reveals Generation II van

First Hydrogen has revealed new images of its Generation II vehicle, which will be available with either fuel cell electric or battery electric drive trains.

The images showcase a modern, minimalist look for the new van and suggest it will provide good ground clearance, a large front windshield, and a spacious, easy-to-access load space.

First Hydrgoen says the Generation II design enables high levels of driver comfort, efficient operation and zero emissions.

The Generation II concepts are being developed while First Hydrogen trials its Generation I fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV). 

Launched last year, the Generation I vehicles are currently undergoing mileage accumulation and evaluation before entering trials with major fleet operators in the UK.

The road trials for Generation I are managed in conjunction with the UK Aggregated Hydrogen Freight Consortium (AHFC).

Members cover a variety of sectors including grocery, roadside assistance, utilities, construction and express delivery and trial participants will use First Hydrogen’s demonstrator vehicles alongside their existing fleets to evaluate the benefits of different vehicle technologies.

Data and feedback gained during these trials will influence the design and engineering of the company’s future vehicles to ensure designs meet customer needs.

Steve Gill, CEO of automotive for First Hydrogen, said: “These concept vehicles provide a glimpse of our company’s future and give a clear indication of our brand direction within the LCV space.

"A spacious and easy to access cabin gives drivers comfort as well as good visibility of the road ahead and enables them to move in and out of the vehicle quickly, which is vital for express delivery and time-sensitive operations that require drivers to make multiple stops.

"The clean and modern design is flexible to suit use in a range of industries; it secures First Hydrogen’s position as a developer of functional vehicles that will take operators into the zero emissions future.”

Bernat Costa, design director at EDAG Spain, said: “The Generation II vehicles show how clean energy can be applied within everyday operations. We have also incorporated First Hydrogen’s signature style, which gives the vehicles a recognisable identity.

"They look modern and will boast high performance zero emissions technology but have a clean, minimalist design to ensure they work well in a range of commercial settings. The design accommodates a number of customisable elements, providing customers with a choice of sizes and bespoke elements to ensure the vehicle best fits their operations.”