Sheffield city council has taken delivery of five hydrogen-powered vans, as part of its efforts to encourage cleaner air in the city.
The Renault Kangoo plug-in hybrid vans feature a 5Kw Hydrogen Fuel Cell built into the load area providing additional energy to the batteries, doubling the range and the working time of the vehicle.
The vehicles have already been put into use across the city, working in areas such as parking services.
Drivers can charge a van’s battery overnight, whilst the hydrogen is filled at the ITM Power plc (LON:ITM) fuel station where hydrogen is produced through electrolysis using wind generated renewable energy.
Delivery of the vans follows agreement on a new strategy for clean air, approved at a meeting last week (see airqualitynews.com story).
Strategy
Commenting on the additions to the council’s fleet, Councillor Jack Scott, cabinet member for transport and infrastructure at Sheffield city council, said: “Last week, Cabinet endorsed a bold new strategy to clean up our air and use alternative means of transport, including electric, hydrogen and hybrid vehicles. The arrival of these new vehicles show the council is leading by example to clean up our air. It is great that we are at the forefront of innovation and making use of cutting-edge technology like this.”