Stellantis is making significant strides in hydrogen fuel cell technology with the introduction of the Opel/Vauxhall Vivaro Hydrogen and Movano Hydrogen. The Vivaro Hydrogen boasts a 248-mile range, powered by a hybrid system combining a 45kW hydrogen fuel cell with a rechargeable 10.5kWh lithium-ion traction battery. Three underfloor tanks store up to 4.4kg of compressed hydrogen, which powers the van via its 134bhp electric drive motor.
The Movano Hydrogen offers an extended range of 310 miles, featuring a 148bhp electric motor with 302lb ft of torque. The hydrogen fuel cell works in tandem with an 11kWh lithium-ion battery. By the end of its rollout, Stellantis plans to offer eight hydrogen fuel cell versions of mid-size vans across its brands, including Opel/Vauxhall, Citroën, Fiat, and Peugeot.
This move is part of a long-term strategy for manufacturers that have been developing hydrogen fuel cell technology for years. Stellantis, through Opel, has been at the forefront of this technology since the early 2000s, with General Motors, Opel’s previous owner, developing one of the first hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, the Electrovan, as far back as 1966. Opel’s Zafira HydroGen1, unveiled in 2000, demonstrated early advancements in liquid hydrogen storage.
Hydrogen fuel cells excel at providing a steady stream of electrical energy but are less effective at sudden power surges. Despite this, manufacturers continue to invest in the technology, recognizing its potential in the evolving landscape of electric vehicles.
