At the launch of a new government and industry programme to drive forward hydrogen fuel cell technology, Vauxhall presented their fourth generation hydrogen powered car - the HydroGen4.
UK H2Mobility is a new government backed programme bringing together industry leaders and multiple government departments to assess the potential of hydrogen fuel cell technology for powering the cars of the future, and to create an action plan for putting the UK at the forefront of making this new technology a commercial reality. At the launch event for UK H2Mobility today, Vauxhall showcased their fourth generation hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, appropriately named 'HydroGen4'.
The new Programme aims to combine the expertise of a wide range of companies under a government led scheme, and will look at the infrastructure needed for the commercial launch of hydrogen powered cars, such as refuelling points, as well as the viability of the technology itself and the economic possibilities which could be gained by making the United Kingdom a world leader in this emerging sector. Vauxhall has signed up as one of the industry partners who are backing this new programme.
Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles have a number of advantages over other low emission vehicles such as hybrids or plug-in electric cars. The main benefits compared to electric vehicles are easier fuelling and a longer range, which are both comparable to traditional petrol or diesel vehicles. Vauxhall have been involved in research and development of hydrogen fuel cell technologies for more than 10 years, and already have a substantial test fleet with over 100 vehicles completing 2 million miles of test driving since 2008. Vauxhall expect the new technology to be ready for commercial introduction to the UK market by 2016.
Vauxhall Motors Director for Government Affairs and Public Policy Bill Parfitt commented on the H2Mobility programme saying:
"Following our company's unrelenting focus on hydrogen fuel cell technology development, the launch and successful roll-out of these vehicles will now depend on the availability of hydrogen to the consumer in a real life environment. We therefore greatly appreciate this very timely initiative, gathering various stakeholders, under government lead, to establish an adequate strategy for future hydrogen development in the UK."
Related used car searches
Search used Vauxhall
