Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada-based First Hydrogen Corp. has released its vision for a zero-emission RV, as it said it is exploring the applications for alternative fuels across different vehicle classes.
Designed to have spacious living quarters, a large front windshield and good ground clearance, the campervan concept prioritizes driver comfort and experience, First Hydrogen said. The RV concept illustrates how First Hydrogen is exploring how fuel cell electric technology could be applied to larger vehicles.
The concept has been developed in partnership with global mobility experts EDAG Group. The release follows the reveal of First Hydrogen’s concept for its Generation II light commercial vehicle (LCV). The company is also developing concepts for vehicles with a winch or towing capability and that have trailers or cargo boxes.
Fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) can cover larger ranges and manage heavier payloads loads than equivalent battery electric vehicles (BEVs); attributes that are attractive for the RV market. RVs travel long distances, often into the wilderness away from refueling or charging infrastructure, making long range especially appealing. Refueling a FCEV takes mere minutes, approximately the same amount of time as a petrol or diesel vehicle, whereas recharging electric vehicles can take hours, which inhibits the freedom that van life demands. Additionally, in the same way that delivery vans might need to run refrigeration units and emergency vehicles power medical equipment, RVs 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, depleting the vehicles’ energy more quickly.
The news about its campervan follows the announcement that First Hydrogen is successfully starting 12-18-month-long commercial vehicle trials with its Generation I fuel cell LCV.