Sheffield city council has taken delivery of five hydrogen-powered vans, as part of its efforts to encourage cleaner air in the city.

The Renault Kangoo plug-in hybrid vans feature a 5Kw Hydrogen Fuel Cell built into the load area providing additional energy to the batteries, doubling the range and the working time of the vehicle.

The vehicles have already been put into use across the city, working in areas such as parking services.

Drivers can charge a van’s battery overnight, whilst the hydrogen is filled at the ITM Power fuel station where hydrogen is produced through electrolysis using wind generated renewable energy.

Delivery of the vans follows agreement on a new strategy for clean air, approved at a meeting last week (see airqualitynews.com story).

Strategy

Commenting on the additions to the council’s fleet, Councillor Jack Scott, cabinet member for transport and infrastructure at Sheffield city council, said: “Last week, Cabinet endorsed a bold new strategy to clean up our air and use alternative means of transport, including electric, hydrogen and hybrid vehicles. The arrival of these new vehicles show the council is leading by example to clean up our air. It is great that we are at the forefront of innovation and making use of cutting-edge technology like this.

“This isn’t just about cleaner air, it makes good economic sense too, as the vehicles are cheaper to run and can pay for themselves over the long term. I want to help more businesses explore new green technology to make our city smarter, safer, cleaner and more energy efficient.

“I’m especially proud that we are the largest organisation in the country, other than Transport for London, to make use of these five vehicles. It shows just how committed we are to this issue. We will continue to make Sheffield a cleaner and greener city whilst tackling our pollution problems in a positive and proactive way.”

Dr Ben Todd, managing director of Arcola Energy added: “We are delighted to be supplying Sheffield city council with Symbio fuel cell hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles. We applaud the leadership shown by Sheffield city council in pioneering these vehicles which combine the low fuel cost and quiet, zero emission operation of a battery electric vehicle, with the all-weather range and fast fill of a hydrogen vehicle.”