The first cars have been delivered this week as part of a major, pioneering hydrogen fleet car trial.<\/p>\n
Two ToyotaMirais and a Hyundai iX35 have been delivered to three businesses in Swindon \u2013 leading fleet management and vehicle leasing company Arval, building society Nationwide and well-known charity The National Trust \u2013 as part of the town\u2019s Hydrogen Hub project.<\/p>\n
The Hydrogen Hub will see fuel cell technology used in a wide range of domestic, commercial and transport applications in Swindon, with the aim of establishing the town as a centre of excellence. Swindon-based Arval is Chair of the initiative\u2019s Car WorkingGroup, and will be central to a range of projects designed to look at the practicalities of operating hydrogen vehicles.<\/p>\n
The three cars, which will be used as pool vehicles, are being leased by Arval and are subsidised by the Government\u2019s Office for Low Emission Vehicles. There are already two hydrogen fuelling centres in Swindon and plans are in place to open another.<\/p>\n
Paul Marchment, Development Manager at Arval, said:<\/strong> Gary Thomas, Employee Support Services Manager at Nationwide, said:<\/strong> Steve Harland, Procurement Specialist at The National Trust, said:<\/strong> Clare Jackson, Hydrogen Hub Manager, said:<\/strong>
\n\u201cLeasing more than 160,000 vehicles in the UK, Arval has a long history of pioneering low carbon vehicle technologies and we\u2019re excited to be leading the way once again as hydrogen fuel cell cars enter the market. Hydrogen technology offers the driver great benefits, combining a300 mile range with zero emissions, and as Chair of the Car Working Group we are excited to be playing a key role in this exciting project.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cNationwide hasa vision to be leading performers for environmental sustainability in the UK financial services sector, and as the world\u2019s largest Building Society we recognise our responsibility to build a truly sustainable business. This is very much on Nationwide\u2019s Social Investment agenda, and a great initiative to our staff travelling between sites in the Swindon area.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cThe National Trust is a longstanding champion of low carbon technologies having invested substantially in renewable energy to make our properties more environmentally friendly. We\u2019re excited to be part of this project, supporting an innovative new low carbon technology and bringing hydrogen cars to Swindon.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cSwindon is fast becoming one of the leading localities for hydrogen and fuel cell technologies and we\u2019re delighted to see these new vehicles arriving in the town. Hydrogen technologies offer local communities clean sustainable energy for buildings and transportation and it\u2019s great to see Swindon businesses leading the way.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"