A British firm is developing a sustainable, hydrogen-powered van that can be completely recycled yet retains a long range and a high payload capacity.
The new light commercial vehicle, named the Indigo, has been developed by MIRA-based Innervated Vehicle Engineering (Ive) with a modular hydrogen fuel cell electric drivetrain.
Ive claims it’s capable of up to 372 miles of range with a 1500kg payload.
The company suggests the Indigo is a more sustainable proposition for fleet teams and drivers.
Hemp has been used in the construction of its body panels and its non-metallic chassis doesn’t require high-energy processes to develop.
“[The] Indigo uses a clean and modular hydrogen fuel cell propulsion drivetrain, organic and non-metallic structural materials, optimised 3D space utilisation, low energy micro-manufacturing techniques and advanced connectivity to revolutionise the productivity of the vehicle,” Ive said.
Ive claims the Indigo has a 15-year lifecycle and that this is 128% longer than for most diesel vans.
Larger vehicle operators will benefit from a retrofitting scheme if they have significant residual value in their diesel vehicle fleets.
Ive also says the Indigo’s set-up has been optimised for driver safety and manoeuvrability, with a central driving position for improved all-round visibility.
The wellbeing of professional drivers is also a focus; the rear of the van has a low, flat floor with room for an optional rest pod.
A set of cameras replaces wing mirrors, while security is bolstered with all-round keyless entry to stop would-be thieves damaging locks.
The Indigo has gained the support of the Innovate UK scheme, which provides funding to organisations to create new technologies, products and services.
Pre-series trial orders are expected to take place in September 2023, before the first models arrive in early 2024.
Developed in Britain, the Ive – which stands for the none-too-snappy Innervated Vehicle Engineering – has a claimed range of up to 372 miles of range with a 1500kg payload thanks to its modular hydrogen fuel cell electric drivetrain.
Meanwhile, body parts are made using hemp, and its chassis isn’t made of metal, so it doesn’t require high-energy processes to manufacture.
It is designed to have an active life of 15 years, according to its maker – which it says is 128% longer than for most diesel vans.
Notably the van has a central seating position, which Ive says is optimised for all-round visibility. It also says the use of innovative construction materials doesn’t compromise driver safety or manoeuvrability.
Other innovations include cameras which replace wing mirrors and keyless entry to every entrance so that would-be thieves have no locks to break.
The Ive’s creation has been backed by Innovate UK, an investment fund for new technology, and pre-series trial orders are expected to take place in September 2023. The first production Ives are then expected on our roads in 2024.