Vauxhall has begun fleet trials of its hydrogen-powered Vivaro van in the UK. The trials, taking place ahead of the launch of the Movano Hydrogen in 2025, are part of a larger strategy by Vauxhall to offer both battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, giving fleet operators more sustainable options. This development raises important questions about the future of hydrogen in the UK’s EV landscape.
A New Era for Hydrogen in Commercial Vehicles
The Vivaro Hydrogen is not just a typical electric vehicle. While it offers 31 miles of battery-powered range, it can go much further thanks to its hydrogen fuel cell, delivering up to 311 miles (WLTP) and refuelling in under five minutes. The van offers the same cargo space as the diesel version, making it a practical choice for businesses with heavy-duty needs, and it comes with a maximum payload of 1,000kg.
The UK’s commercial EV industry has so far been dominated by electric HGVS, but Vauxhall’s move into hydrogen signals a diversification of zero-emission solutions. Hydrogen, with its fast refuelling times and extended range, could be a game-changer for sectors like logistics and delivery, where downtime and range limitations are key concerns.
Hydrogen vs. Battery
For UK fleets, the choice between hydrogen and battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) could come down to operational requirements. While BEVs are well-suited for urban deliveries and shorter routes, hydrogen vehicles offer a significant advantage in long-haul or continuous-use scenarios. Vauxhall’s Vivaro Hydrogen, which has already begun trials, could be ideal for businesses that need to cover greater distances without the need for long charging stops.
James Taylor, managing director of Vauxhall, emphasized this point, stating: “With a 311-mile range, zero-emissions-in-use and quick refuelling, the Movano Hydrogen will provide fleets with another sustainable option alongside our full line-up of battery-electric vans.”
The Infrastructure Challenge
While hydrogen-powered vehicles offer a compelling solution, infrastructure remains a key hurdle. Earlier this year, Vauxhall partnered with Ryze Hydrogen to develop refuelling solutions for UK fleet operators. This partnership aims to address one of the biggest challenges for hydrogen adoption: the limited number of hydrogen refuelling stations across the UK.
Vauxhall’s initiative to develop both onsite refuelling options and a network of dedicated refuelling stations is a critical step toward making hydrogen a viable option for more businesses. In many ways, this mirrors the early stages of the electric charging network for BEVs, which has grown substantially in recent years. If hydrogen refuelling infrastructure can follow a similar trajectory, hydrogen vehicles could become a significant part of the UK’s zero-emission vehicle landscape.
What This Means for the UK
The introduction of hydrogen vehicles like the Vivaro and Movano Hydrogen could help the UK’s commercial vehicle sector meet its zero-emissions goals, especially as businesses seek alternatives to diesel-powered fleets. For industries that rely on long-range, high-payload vehicles, hydrogen offers a viable solution where battery-electric vehicles may fall short.
However, the success of hydrogen vans in the UK will largely depend on the development of infrastructure and how quickly businesses can adopt the technology. With the UK government aiming to ban the sale of new diesel and petrol vans by 2030, hydrogen’s potential to complement battery-electric options could play a key role in helping fleet operators transition to greener alternatives.
The Road Ahead for Hydrogen in the UK
Vauxhall’s dual focus on hydrogen and battery-electric vehicles positions the company as a leader in the UK’s transition to a more sustainable commercial vehicle market. The real question is whether hydrogen can achieve the same level of growth and infrastructure development that battery-electric vehicles have seen in recent years.
As the Vivaro Hydrogen enters trials and the Movano Hydrogen prepares for launch, fleet operators will provide crucial feedback that could shape the future of hydrogen in the UK. With hydrogen vehicles offering both extended range and quick refuelling, they may well become the preferred choice for certain segments of the commercial vehicle market.
In the coming years, the UK EV industry could see a more diversified approach to zero-emission solutions, with hydrogen and battery-electric technologies working side by side to meet the country’s ambitious climate targets. If the trials prove successful, Vauxhall’s hydrogen vans could represent a major leap forward in the UK’s drive towards a zero-emission future.
John is the Editor and Spokesperson for Electric Car Guide.
With over 20 years of writing experience, he has written for titles such as City AM, FE News and NerdWallet.com, covering various automotive and personal finance topics.
John’s market commentary has been covered by the likes of The Express, The Independent, Yahoo Finance and The Evening Standard.
