The Arval Hydrogen Roadshow – Driving Innovation, Investment and a Cleaner Future will visit five locations, starting with Swindon on 12 April, followed by Oxford on 17 May, Leeds on 28 June, Birmingham on 16 October, and London later in the year.
The Hydrogen Hub Car showcase in August 2017 brought 7 vehicles from the major OEMs technology developers, current users of technology and hydrogen and fuel cell experts together to deliver a workshop for local business and fleet users. The cars were then opened up to the public in the afternoon. The event was a resounding success.
With new refuelling stations recently opened or shortly opening in London, Birmingham, Beaconsfield and Derby and plans in Oxford and Cardiff, the Arval Hydrogen Roadshow in Swindon on 12th April is the first of a series of 5 events which will take this showcase on the road.
It is being held by fleet management and leasing specialist, Arval, with the aim to bring together business people, influencers such as local politicians, and the general public, to show them hydrogen vehicles from manufacturers such as Toyota, Hyundai and Riversimple, and explain how the technology works.There will be representatives from companies in Swindon that are currently using the vehicles who will be sharing their experiences including Arval, the National Trust, Nationwide and the Science Museum Group.
Hydrogen Fuel Cell vehicles are the latest cutting edge green technology. The vehicles are zero emission vehicles with zero CO2, NOx, SOx and particulates emitted. They offer the low carbon green credentials of battery electric vehicles but with the user experience benefits of petrol diesel. Fuel cell vehicles take 3 minutes to refill and have a range of 300 miles.
These cars from Toyota and Hyundai Motor were brought to Swindon under an OLEV (Office for Low Emissions Vehicles) funding scheme. The benefits of this technology are recognised by the UK Government and as such there is a new funding competition that will enable further companies to access the cars. There will be information at the event as to how Swindon businesses can get involved in the next phase of cars.
Arval senior business manager Paul Marchment said: “Thanks to the work we have done with the Hydrogen Hub, we have considerable expertise in running hydrogen cars. It is our aim and passion to share this knowledge through these roadshows.
“At each location, we want to reach audiences that together can help drive positive change – for example, businesses, the public, local politicians.
“We want to show them hydrogen vehicles from manufacturers such as Toyota and Hyundai, and explain how the technology works. Once you know more about the technology, you are more likely to adopt and champion it.”
Marchment said that currently the Hydrogen Hub is running seven hydrogen cars with a range of fleet customers.
He added: “While in its infancy – and notwithstanding that vehicle production needs to increase to cut purchase price, and that the refuelling infrastructure needs to improve – we believe that with the right backing from the public, businesses, government and manufacturers, the demand for hydrogen will increase and that will help drive a more sustainable future for all.”
Hydrogen Hub manager Clare Jackson said: “We are very excited to offer the opportunity to businesses, local authorities and the public to learn about hydrogen vehicles and test the technology.
“Having the ability for zero-carbon tailpipe emissions while not requiring the consumer to change their behaviour in any way, we hope the events will raise awareness and demonstrate the benefits of the technology.
“We need to grow the market for hydrogen and fuel cell industry and ensure that the UK remains at the forefront of this development as it can play a very important role in decarbonisation of the UK economy.”
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