Siemens launches new hydrogen-powered van

Siemens Mobility launches first hydrogen-powered van in partnership with Aberdeen City Council.

The van has been fitted with a green hydrogen fuel tank for use in combination with conventional diesel fuel.

This allows the van to achieve about 160-180 miles per gallon in dual-fuel mode, with diesel-only operation available as back up. 

It takes less than 10 minutes to refuel the van with hydrogen. 

The van, which on average travels 1,000 miles per month around Aberdeen, will be used by Siemens Mobility’s traffic signal maintenance teams to carry out routine installation and service works. 

It is expected to enter service next month and if the trial is successful the company will then look into adding further hydrogen-powered vans into its fleet. 

Aberdeen , Scotland, Thursday, 3 December 2020
Siemens Mobility are launching a hydrogen van in partnership with Aberdeen City Council
Picture by Abermedia / Michal Wachucik

Wilke Reints, managing director Intelligent Traffic Systems for Siemens Mobility Limited, said: ‘We know that reducing emissions from road travel remains a significant challenge.

‘In countries like the UK, the transport sector is now responsible for emitting more greenhouse gases than any other so the way we travel around – and what we travel in – can make a big difference to our own carbon footprint.

‘Using hydrogen as a fuel source creates real potential to reduce the impact of travelling by road on the environment.’

Aberdeen City Council hydrogen spokesman Cllr Philip Bell said: ‘It’s fantastic that Siemens Mobility has a hydrogen hybrid van as part of its fleet.

‘It is very fitting that the van will be out and about in the area as Aberdeen is not only the energy capital of Europe but we are also a leader and pioneer of hydrogen technologies. We are delighted to enter this partnership with Siemens Mobility which will encourage greater uptake in the private sector.

‘Greater use of hydrogen is part of our Net Zero Vision which supports Aberdeen’s leading role in energy transition — the city is already leading the way in the UK in developing and deploying renewable technologies to combat global warning and climate change.’

Photo Credit – Siemens Mobility