On its path to achieving a net zero fleet by 2030, British Gas has started a two-month trial of a hydrogen-powered van.
British Gas has partnered with Oxford-based alternative fuel and energy solutions firm Ryze Power, which will supply the clean hydrogen for the Vauxhall Vivaro van.
The van will be driven by a British Gas engineer in Birmingham, who will access Ryze’s refuelling station at Tyseley during their working day.
British Gas’ parent company Centrica has set a target of achieving net zero emissions by 2040; as part of this it is aiming to decarbonise its entire transport fleet by 2030.
Hydrogen fuel is considered an efficient alternative to fossil fuels. Hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (EVs) emit only water vapour, drastically cutting air pollutants and greenhouse gases.
Hydrogen double-decker buses have been a regular feature on London streets since their launch in 2021.
As well as only emitting water vapour, the British Gas hydrogen van includes a battery that is a fraction of the size of that in an EV. This is also considered an advantage as it means less precious metals need to be mined.
Rob Simister, director of fleet operations at Centrica, said: “We are fully committed to the electrification of our fleet and we continue to invest in battery EVs, as they will always be part of our net zero fleet mix. However, we see a time when hydrogen could play a role too, especially for engineers who don’t have easy access to charging options.
“When fully available and with the refuelling network to support it, operating hydrogen vans is much the same as a diesel, allowing our engineers to fill up in minutes and spend their time where it matters most – helping our customers.”
The crucial aspect of increasing the adoption of hydrogen-powered fleet vehicles, such as vans and lorries, is to build a network of hydrogen refuelling stations.
Alex Webster, sales director at Ryze, said: “The hydrogen network is still in its infancy, but facilities like our Tyseley refuelling station provide a blueprint for local green hydrogen production.
“We are already powering local buses in Birmingham, so there is no reason why we can’t support British Gas and other operators of large fleets on their journey to electrification, [which is] vital to the delivery of net zero.”