In a move that should not surprise anyone who has been keeping an eye on the huge amount of investment going into the development of hydrogen as a replacement for petrol and diesel, Peugeot’s very first hydrogen vehicle has left the factory.
The Peugeot e-EXPERT Hydrogen van integrates a new hydrogen fuel cell electric powertrain in the engine compartment and underbody – resulting in no compromise in terms of load volume compared to the diesel variants of the EXPERT, and a low centre of gravity – improving vehicle stability and safety.
In the battle between full electric and hydrogen vehicles, the experts say that the customer experience will win the day. With the electric charge taking up to ten times longer than the hydrogen fill-up, many predict that hydrogen will be the VHS to the electric charger’s Betamax. They say that a hydrogen refill feels just like a petrol one – it’s that fast.
The new PEUGEOT e-EXPERT Hydrogen features a hydrogen fuel cell system combined with a 10.5kWh battery that helps power the electric motor. A full refuel with compressed hydrogen takes just three minutes, resulting in 249 miles (WLTP) of electric range, and a maximum speed of 80mph.