The Opel Vivaro-e HYDROGEN is the ideal light commercial vehicle for fleet customers who want to cover long distances or who need to refuel within minutes. The electrically powered Vivaro-e HYDROGEN is a hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle with plug-in battery. The packaging of the technology is so compact that it makes no compromises on cargo space compared with conventional powertrains. The range is up to 400 kilometres (WLTP1) and it takes only three minutes to refuel with hydrogen – about the same time needed to fill up a conventional diesel or petrol car. The vehicle offers a cargo volume of up to 6.1 cubic metres and a payload of 1,000 kilogrammes as well as a towing capacity of 1,000 kg. The Vivaro-e HYDROGEN is available in lengths M and L (4.95 and 5.30 m) and has already joined the fleet of Miele, the German premium domestic appliance manufacturer.
Clever concept: Long range, zero emissions, quick refuelling
The Vivaro-e HYDROGEN is based on the battery electric Opel Vivaro-e, the “2021 International Van of the Year”. The principle of the Vivaro-e HYDROGEN is simple: from hydrogen and air, the fuel cell generates electricity to drive the electric motor. The only product of this reaction is pure water vapour out of the exhaust.
The plug-in fuel cell concept of the Vivaro-e HYDROGEN enables the integration of the whole fuel cell system with the existing traction motor under the bonnet. In addition, the battery of the Vivaro-e BEV (battery electric vehicle) is replaced by three 700 bar hydrogen tanks with a capacity of 4.4 kg.
The 45-kW fuel cell can generate enough power for longer stretches of highway driving, while the 10.5 kWh lithium-ion battery located under the front seats provides dynamic peak power when required, for example, at start-up and under acceleration. Since the battery covers power needs in such situations, the fuel cell can run at optimum operating conditions. The Vivaro-e HYDROGEN also features regenerative braking, while the plug-in capability offers the opportunity to recharge the battery externally, if necessary, e.g. at a charging station, providing 50 km of pure battery electric range. A three-phase onboard charger (11 kW) and a mode 2 charging cable are standard.
Ready for everything: Two lengths and up to 6.1m3 of cargo volume
Thanks to smart packaging, the Vivaro-e HYDROGEN makes no compromises on space compared to the combustion engine versions, offering up to 5.3 (size M) or 6.1 m3 (size L) of cargo volume. The payload of the fuel cell electric LCV is 1,000 kg. Loading/unloading is easy via the sliding doors on each side and the rear doors.
Like its battery-electric sibling and those with internal combustion engines, the Vivaro-e HYDROGEN offers an unusually wide range of driver assistance systems that enhance safety. The equipment includes a 180-degree panorama rear view camera, blind-spot alert and front/rear park pilot.
The Multimedia Navi Pro infotainment system operates via voice recognition or colour touchscreen and is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The navigation system offers maps for Europe, dynamic route guidance and TMC. Users can also cool or heat the vehicle during recharging via “OpelConnect” and programme charging times with the “myOpel” app.
Production of the Opel Vivaro-e HYDROGEN is currently beginning and ramping up at Opel Special Vehicles (OSV) in Rüsselsheim. Opel and Stellantis have more than 20 years of experience in the development of hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles.
With the new Vivaro-e HYDROGEN, Opel is continuing its electrification offensive. Customers have the choice of selecting the drive concept in the Opel LCV portfolio that suits their application. The Vivaro e HYDROGEN complements the Combo-e Cargo, Vivaro-e and Movano-e battery-electric light commercial vehicles. Opel will offer an electrified version of every passenger car and LCV model by 2024.
[1] Range determined according to WLTP test procedure methodology (R (EC) No. 715/2007, R (EU) No. 2017/1151). The actual range can vary under everyday conditions and depends on various factors, in particular on personal driving style, route characteristics, outside temperature, use of heating and air conditioning and thermal preconditioning.
SOURCE: Stellantis
