Hydrogen-powered van for zero-emission transport in practice

Why did KWR purchase this van?

The Opel Vivaro-e Hydrogen van was purchased specifically for sampling, which is an important component of water research. “The van has now been out on the road and it has worked well,” says sampler Erik Bogaard. “The van is big enough for all the equipment needed. We can refuel at Jos Scholman’s green hydrogen filling station, which is located near KWR in Nieuwegein.” King Willem-Alexander opened the hydrogen production station that regulates supplies for this refuelling station on Friday, 4 October 2024.

What makes this van special?

The van converts hydrogen into electricity, heat and water with a fuel cell. The electricity is stored in a battery, which allows the van to operate entirely electrically. In winter, the heat that is released can be used to heat the cabin, while the water is emitted as steam through the exhaust. The bus does not emit any harmful substances and so it is an official ‘zero-emission vehicle’.

Why did KWR opt for a hydrogen-powered van?

The purchase of the van is part of European project LIFE NEW HYTS, in which KWR is working with partners Stamhuis, Hysolar, Jos Scholman and the Utrecht provincial authority. In this project, the partners are highlighting the full value chain for green hydrogen in mobility and transport. KWR already has four hydrogen-powered passenger vehicles, and the new van will now allow us to conduct sampling sustainably as well.

How will KWR monitor the van’s performance?

KWR will see how the van is performing on an online platform, where all the travel data are accurately recorded. Project leader Daniel Bakker: “These data help to describe the impact of the hydrogen bus in the overall green hydrogen value chain and compare it with other sustainable options for zero-emission transport. We are also including factors such as range, fuel efficiency, maintenance requirements and refuelling times in the study.”

KWR conducts groundbreaking applied research and we work with partners on a water-wise future. With the new hydrogen van and the monitoring, KWR is taking another step towards sustainable and future-resilient transport.

This project was partly financed by the EU LIFE NEW HYTS programme and it contributes to the regional transition to green hydrogen.