Introduction of a dedicated right-hand-drive hydrogen fuel-cell electric coach for the UK is being hampered by the country’s hydrogen ecosystem, executives from Irizar Group have said.
The statement comes after the company detailed progress with the second generation of development on its fuel-cell electric coach prototype, which continues to target a 1,000km range for long-distance zero-emission operation.
Chief Executive of Irizar S. Coop Imanol Rego (pictured) and Irizar UK Managing Director Andrew Blundell note the Group has “big ambitions” to grow its presence in the UK market, but that the arrival of the fuel-cell electric coach, currently a proof-of-concept, hinges on developments in the hydrogen ecosystem.
Mr Rego says that includes investments in electrolysers and the availability of green hydrogen. “As soon as we see developments in green hydrogen increase, and the availability of a competitive price for hydrogen, the platform will be here,” he adds.
The hydrogen coach programme forms part of development of a broader electric coach platform. Mr Rego hints that Irizar is also monitoring battery technology closely and that a long-distance battery-electric coach may follow when energy density reaches the level needed to meet the group’s specification for extended-haul work. “We are on the new generation of batteries, the third generation, and closer to making a coach that would meet the specification for long-distance applications,” he says.
Until then, hydrogen offers a means of delivering on range without the penalty associated with large battery packs.
Andrew Blundell, Managing Director of Irizar UK, also stresses that introduction of a fuel-cell electric option “is not about the vehicle — it’s about the supply of hydrogen, and the infrastructure.”
Last year, the government confirmed £500 million in support for hydrogen infrastructure announced in the Spending Review, which it says will enable the development of the first regional hydrogen transport and storage network.
