As the automotive world seeks to develop vehicle options that are more sustainable in the long term, as well as being viable for the customer, Citroen has unveiled its first hydrogen light commercial vehicle to complement its electrified LCV range.
Citroen’s LCV electrification strategy is based on a key principle not to compromise on vehicle capabilities or practicality. The e-Dispatch - known in Europe as the e-Jumpy - provides an expected range of 248 miles, while Citroen has ensured the load volume of the van isn’t impacted by the integration of the battery and hydrogen tanks.
Prospective customers will benefit from this new technology without negatively impacting the vehicle’s useful load space – one of the main requirements of operators in this segment.
The time-saving element of filling the e-Dispatch Hydrogen has been highlighted by Citroen, too. Refilling the hydrogen tank is 20 times faster than charging an electric vehicle (based on charging at a 100kW public charging station) taking as little as three minutes to fill up the three onboard hydrogen tanks, saving time and increasing productivity for companies by maximising time on the road.
“The fuel cell hydrogen solution is now becoming a reality with this first e-Jumpy Hydrogen coming off the assembly line,” said Laurence Hansen, Citroen product and strategy director.
“Complementing our electric portfolio, it will give customers a greater driving range (especially on faster roads) and optimise vehicles’ usage time thanks to its ultra-fast refuelling. All this, while retaining the capabilities and practicality of the vehicle to remain relevant on the LCV market.”
To retain the load space, the battery has been installed under the seats in the cab area, with the three hydrogen tanks under the cargo area floor. This ensures that the load volumes of the two available models are the same as those in the electric versions: 5.3m3 for the Medium size and 6.1m3 for the XL. Similarly, the payload and towing capacity can reach up to 1000kg, in line with the diesel versions.
The driving range of the Citroen e-Dispatch Hydrogen comes from a combination of both battery and hydrogen technology. A fuel cell takes hydrogen and mixes it with oxygen, converting the gases into electricity, water and heat. A battery pack stores the energy created, supplying power to an electric motor that drives the van.
Citroen’s hydrogen fuel cell specialist, Christian Maugy, explains: “We have chosen a mid-power architecture for our hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, combining the best of electric with a 10.5kWh lithium-ion battery, a 45kW fuel cell and 4.4kg of useful hydrogen storage to offer a total driving range of more than 248 miles on the WLTP cycle.”
Citroen chose to partner with the SUEZ Group to test the first e-Dispatch Hydrogen models after it recently collaborated for the launch of Ami Cargo Electric – the innovative micro-mobility solution for professional users – at the waste-water treatment and recovery plant in Saint-Cyr l’Ecole, Paris. SUEZ Group aims to make low-carbon mobility a key component of its carbon strategy and to reduce the Group’s CO2 emissions by 45% by 2030. With more than 200 electric vehicles, SUEZ wants to step up the replacement of its fleet with vehicles that have low greenhouse gas emissions, to ensure greener mobility for light and utility vehicles and tipper trucks.
The first e-Dispatch Hydrogen will be delivered shortly for testing under real-world conditions for two weeks. This test will also be an opportunity for Citroen to validate the development of this technology under actual usage conditions.
The Citroen e-Dispatch Hydrogen is assembled at the firms’ plant in Sevel Nord in France before being converted at the Stellantis Group’s hydrogen fuel cell centre of expertise in Russelsheim, Germany. The e-Dispatch Hydrogen is expected to arrive in the UK in early 2024, with variants from Peugeot and Vauxhall to follow.
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