Vauxhall's Movano Hydrogen: A Green Revolution in Fleet Transport?

Vauxhall has unveiled its latest offering, the Movano Hydrogen, a hydrogen-powered van poised to redefine green fleet transportation. This launch comes hot on the heels of successful UK customer trials of the Vivaro Hydrogen, showcasing Vauxhall's commitment to sustainable commercial vehicles. The Movano Hydrogen, built on over two decades of hydrogen fuel cell vehicle development at Vauxhall-Opel and Stellantis, promises a compelling blend of performance, range, and eco-friendliness, presenting a viable alternative to diesel and even battery-electric vans for certain applications.

Unveiling the Movano Hydrogen: Performance and Efficiency

The heart of the Movano Hydrogen is a potent electric motor generating 150hp (110kW) and 410Nm of torque, ensuring smooth and efficient performance. This powertrain is coupled with a 45kW Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell. Power is channeled through four high-pressure hydrogen tanks capable of storing 7kg of hydrogen at 700 bar, delivering an impressive official range of 311 miles (WLTP). This extended range makes it suitable for long-distance journeys, a significant advantage over many battery electric options. Refueling takes only about five minutes, unlike battery electric vehicles which require much longer charging times, thus minimizing downtime. An 11kWh lithium-ion battery acts as a supplementary power source, assisting with acceleration and start-up. This battery also utilizes regenerative braking, storing energy and extending the vehicle's overall efficiency. It can be recharged independently in approximately 90 minutes using an 11kW AC charger. The Movano Hydrogen's specification includes an upgraded multimedia navigation system, featuring a user-friendly 10-inch touchscreen, integrated TomTom sat-nav system, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, and Bluetooth connectivity. This, combined with the 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster and electric power steering, elevates the driver's experience.

Interior Comfort and Practicality

The cabin boasts comfort-enhancing features, including a six-way adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support and an armrest, along with a dual passenger bench seat. Additional conveniences such as keyless entry and go, rear parking sensors, automatic air conditioning, an electric parking brake, and twin-lens door mirrors with electrically adjustable and heated upper mirrors improve both convenience and visibility.

Pricing and Availability: A Competitive Offering

The Movano Hydrogen is offered exclusively in the well-equipped 'Prime' specification. Pricing starts at £66,450 OTR (excluding VAT but including the Plug-in Van Grant) for the L3 H2 panel van model, and the larger L4 H3 panel van is priced from £68,070 OTR (excluding VAT, including PiVG). This puts it in a competitive price bracket compared to other similarly specced electric vans, although the availability of hydrogen refueling infrastructure will be a critical factor for potential buyers. Orders will open in Spring 2025.

The Hydrogen Advantage: A Promising Future

The Movano Hydrogen signifies Vauxhall's commitment to offering comprehensive choices for fleet operators, supplementing its existing lineup of battery-electric vans – the Combo Electric, Vivaro Electric, and Movano Electric. Vauxhall has been at the forefront of electric vehicle adoption within its LCV range since 2021. The Movano Hydrogen will be a vital addition for fleets already equipped to handle hydrogen refueling, as the current scarcity of public hydrogen refueling stations in the UK represents a major hurdle for widespread adoption. With its impressive range and rapid refueling time, the Movano Hydrogen offers a compelling alternative to other commercial vehicles for companies with existing infrastructure or plans for expansion.

Vauxhall's Hydrogen Vision: Pioneering Sustainable Transportation

Vauxhall's commitment to hydrogen technology is evident in its ongoing UK customer trials of the Vivaro Hydrogen, undertaken with some of the UK's biggest fleets. This trial serves as a vital stepping stone to the full-scale launch of the Movano Hydrogen. The successful participation of various companies provides valuable real-world data and feedback, enabling Vauxhall to refine its approach to hydrogen fuel-cell technology and address any challenges associated with its widespread adoption. Vauxhall aims to establish itself as a leader in sustainable commercial transportation, and the Movano Hydrogen represents a significant stride towards achieving this ambitious goal. The Movano Hydrogen is not simply a vehicle; it's a statement of intent, showing Vauxhall's commitment to developing sustainable transportation solutions for the future. This move will likely influence other manufacturers, accelerating the development and accessibility of hydrogen-powered commercial vehicles. The next few years will be crucial in determining the broader impact of the Movano Hydrogen and the adoption of hydrogen technology across the commercial vehicle sector.