- Expanding Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle Trials and Building North American Green Hydrogen Plants
Vancouver, British Columbia– First Hydrogen Corp. (“FIRST HYDROGEN” or the “Company“) is pleased to provide an update on corporate developments for the 1st quarter of 2024. The Company’s hydrogen-powered fuel cell light commercial vehicle (FCEV) recently completed a successful trial with Wales & West Utilities (WWU), the trial also established a hydrogen ecosystem partnership for mobile refueling. First Hydrogen is now working with multiple fleet operators to help achieve their zero emission objectives by increasing the number of FCEVs and/or converting existing vehicles to FCEV. A summary of ongoing developments as follows:
North America
Quebec
Significant and positive interest has been shown from fleet operators in Quebec. The Quebec operators note the need for Hydrogen vehicles as an alternative to battery electric vehicles during cold weather which limits the battery life in a battery-only vehicle. The Company is expanding and developing additional demonstrator FCEVs to showcase the hydrogen potential to North American fleets, as well, the Company proposes to build a vehicle assembly facility and green hydrogen production plant in Shawinigan, Quebec. The assembly facility target will be for annual production of up to 25,000 vehicles for distribution throughout North America and will represent a major boost to green technology jobs in the region.
Trials
Three FCEV trials have been completed during which the FCEV was subject to various real-world conditions. During the initial vehicle testing and the Rivus trial, the Company’s FCEV was driven in and around London. For the SSE plc (SSE) trial, the FCEV was driven in and around Aberdeen, Scotland. The most recent trial with gas distribution network Wales & West Utilities, the Company’s FCEV completed more than 2,000 km (>1,200 miles) over the four-weeks, travelling up to 189 km (117 miles) per day in some of South Wales’ coldest conditions. The FCEV demonstrated its’ capability for demanding duties, such as carrying heavier payloads, towing and powering auxiliary equipment (onboard power). There was no decrease in vehicle performance or range when operating in colder temperatures. Drivers from all three trials noted the FCEV’s drivability ease, quick refueling, and range (630 km / 390 mi, on a single refueling).
Discussions with various fleet operators to add FCEVs to fleets and/or converting existing fleet vehicles to hydrogen-powered fuel cells utilizing the Company’s powertrain.
First Hydrogen is planning details for the next batch of trials which will include some of the largest companies in Europe and the world.
Hydrogen ecosystem
For the WWU trial, the Company partnered with Protium Energy Solutions (Protium) and Hyppo Hydrogen Solutions (Hyppo), for the WWU trials using a re-deployable refueller and delivered green hydrogen. This “ready-to-go” hydrogen ecosystem, utilizing Hyppo’s Fuel Cell Systems HyQube, will be able to demonstrate hydrogen mobility is possible for fleet operators. First Hydrogen intends to collaborate with Fuel Cell Systems for North American trials.
Balraj Mann, Group CEO, First Hydrogen comments: “We are building strong relationships with governments, potential customers and suppliers aligning the need to reduce emissions and First Hydrogen’s product offering. Francois Morin, VP of Corporate Development, has quickly expanded our presence in North America. The green hydrogen market in North America is gaining considerable strength, for instance, the U.S. Department of Energy announced a $7- billion program to launch seven clean hydrogen hubs across U.S as part of U.S. National Clean Hydrogen Strategy and Roadmap. In Mexico, investment funds are starting to flow in the country developing its vast green hydrogen potential. Finally, in Quebec, green hydrogen is one solution for the province to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.”
About First Hydrogen Corp.
First Hydrogen Corp. is a Vancouver, Montreal and London UK-based company focused on zero-emission vehicles, green hydrogen production and distribution. The Company has designed and built hydrogen-fuel-cell-powered light commercial vehicles (“FCEV”) in partnership with AVL Powertrain and Ballard Power Systems Inc. The FCEV has a range of 630+ kilometres. These vehicles are being trialled with fleet operators in the United Kingdom. First Hydrogen is also developing a 35MW green hydrogen production facility and vehicle assembly factory in Shawinigan, Quebec.
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