The Fuel Cell Future
The use of renewable hydrogen as a fuel is a key part of Opel’s mission for a net-zero future, particularly for business mobility such as LCVs or taxis. Fuel cells are commercially important – essential when time is money – they can be refuelled in three minutes and immediately offer long range. Fuel cells will be one part of an emission-free future, as pure battery-electric will remain more appropriate for other mobility needs, such as private vehicles.
What is a Fuel Cell?
A single fuel cell consists of an electrolyte membrane, a negative and a positive electrode as well as two separators. It’s very small, and on its own only produces about one volt – less than a household AA battery. For vehicles, hundreds of fuel cells are combined into a single unit, called the fuel cell stack, providing enough power for propulsion. Fuel cells are not only found in vehicles but also in stationary use supplying heat and electricity.
How does a Fuel Cell drive work?
The fuel cell turns hydrogen from the tank and oxygen from air into electricity used to drive the electric motor and charge the battery for additional power when needed.
Pure Power
Hydrogen for Tomorrow
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Drive Features
What is Hydrogen Drive?
The fuel cell turns hydrogen from the tank of the vehicle and oxygen from the surrounding air into electricity used to drive the electric motor and charge the battery for additional power when needed.
Pressurised Hydrogen Tanks
One of the major advances pioneered by Opel was the development of 700 bar pressurised hydrogen tanks. It allowed sufficient hydrogen to be stored as a gas at normal temperatures, rather than needing to be refrigerated. This means hydrogen in the tanks won’t expand and evaporate away, enabling vehicles to be parked for long periods without degradation of range. Opel built and operated the world’s first FCEV with 700 bar compressed hydrogen storage technology in 2002, the HydroGen3. Today, all car manufacturers use this technology.
Hydrogen Safety
The Opel Vivaro Electric HYDROGEN stores hydrogen at 700 bar operating pressure in carbon-fibre tanks installed underneath the cargo space. These tanks are extremely robust, designed by Opel to withstand massive impacts and certified by the German TÜV. Opel’s safety systems are extensive, including hydrogen sensors that automatically close engine and tank valves and switch off the vehicle in the unlikely event of any hydrogen leaks.
Fuel Cells : Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the fuel cell located in the Vivaro Electric HYDROGEN?
In the engine compartment, perfectly integrated with the existing electric drive of the Vivaro Electric.
Where are the Vivaro Electric HYDROGEN tanks located?
The three 700 bar tanks are installed underneath the cargo space in the underbody where in the battery-electric Vivaro Electric the traction battery is located.
What are the advantages of a hydrogen LCV?
The Vivaro Electric HYDROGEN offers locally zero emissions, long range, 3 minutes refuelling time and the full cargo space (same as the internal combustion engine version).
Is there any external equipment required to operate a hydrogen LCV?
No. You can refuel the Opel Vivaro Electric HYDROGEN in 3 minutes with hydrogen or plug in the on-board battery for a direct charge if you want to top-up between trips.
What’s the power output of the Vivaro Electric HYDROGEN Fuel Cell?
45 kW.
What’s the capacity of the Vivaro Electric HYDROGEN battery?
10.5 kWh.
What’s the pure battery-electric range of the Vivaro Electric HYDROGEN?
Purely battery-electric range is up to 50 km.