Opel's new Vivaro fuel-cell van offers a cleaner delivery option

FRANKFURT: With diesel delivery vans still filling many city streets, it is good news to hear that Opel has launched the cleanest-ever version of its Vivaro van, which combines electric and hydrogen power.

The Vivaro-e's underfloor batteries have been replaced by three hydrogen tanks. Now a smaller battery unit under the front seats is kept constantly charged by a 45kW fuel cell. There is no need to plug into a charging unit for a battery boost.

The fuel-cell van has a range of up to 400km with a refill time of just three minutes. It has enough power for motorway driving and can cover around 50 km in battery only mode. It goes on sale in Europe later this year.

Hydrogen is one of the greenest fuels around and the fuel cell combines the chemical with oxygen to produce electricity. The only emission is harmless water vapour.

The van, which is badged as a Vauxhall in some markets, looks the same as a standard Vivaro and still has the practical sliding doors on both sides. Its payload has gone up though to 1,100 kilos.

The fuel cell system was fettled by Opel's research and development using funding from the German government and help from French engineers.

"We have been developing hydrogen fuel-cells for 20 years and this drivetrain combines all the advantages including zero-emissions, generous range and short refuelling times," said Opel chief Michael Lohscheller.