GreenFleet

Smith Electric Vehicles are to trial a new fuel cell as a range extender for their electric vans and trucks.

Electric commercial vehicles have a maximum range of around 100 miles but adding a small hydrogen fuel cell as a range extender will allow the vehicles to achieve closer to 200 miles.

The UK-based manufacturer has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with fuel cell experts Proton Power Systems plc in Germany, under which both parties will collaborate to build and market a battery-powered commercial vehicle, equipped with a Proton Power PM200 fuel cell as a range extender.

The fuel cell is used to top-up the batteries and support auxiliary vehicle functions such as air conditioning and heating and provide an on-board electrical supply.

The partners will start with Smith’s Edison range of electric vans, which are currently used with leading UK fleet operators including Sainsbury’s Online and the Royal Mail.

The collaboration is initially focused on supplying vehicles to fleet operators across Germany and is already in discussions for 20 vans with the German Government-backed hydrogen and electric vehicle organisation ‘NOW’. It also plans to address projects in the UK and North America.

Proton Power and Smith plan to roll out the vehicle in transport and maintenance applications across German municipalities, with the first vehicles due to be delivered in the last quarter of 2010.

Electric vehicles integrated with a fuel cell expand the addressable market for zero emission vans and trucks. Pure electric commercial vehicles have a limited range and are restricted to low mileage, urban operations.

Kevin Harkin, Sales Director for Smith Electric Vehicles, said: "Enhancing the range capabilities provides a wider application for electric vehicles within large fleets, without compromising our zero emission philosophy."

Further information:
Smith Electric Vehicles