First Hydrogen Corp. has released its vision for a zero-emission recreational vehicle (RV). First Hydrogen says the RV concept illustrates how it is exploring how fuel cell electric technology could be applied to larger vehicles. The concept has been developed in partnership with EDAG Group.
Fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) can cover larger ranges and manage heavier payloads loads than equivalent battery electric vehicles (BEVs), the company says, which are attributes that are attractive for the recreational vehicle market. RVs travel long distances, often into the wilderness away from refueling or charging infrastructure, making long range especially appealing. Recreational vehicles also run auxiliary loads such as cookers and water boilers, applications suited to FCEVs. BEVs require more battery cells to power these loads, adding to overall vehicle weight, and depleting the vehicles’ energy more quickly.
The market for recreational vehicles has grown hugely in the past few years, with the North American market being valued at $56.29 billion in 2022, the company says. Similarly, the European leisure market is growing, with record sales of 260,000 new vehicles in 2021 and sustained high demand in 2022, with vehicle sales slightly reduced due to availability and issues in the global supply chain.
The news follows the announcement that First Hydrogen is starting 12-18-month-long commercial vehicle trials with its generation I fuel cell LCV. In collaboration with the UK Aggregated Hydrogen Freight Consortium (AHFC), road trials are commencing with fleet management company, Rivus.
