French manufacturers seem to be betting more and more on hydrogen for utility vehicles. They are aimed in particular at large companies with a fleet and the capacity to install a hydrogen filling station. After the Stellantis group, which will produce hydrogen utility vehicles in its Hordain plant, Renault is setting out to conquer Europe with its Master Van H2-Tech. It does this through Hyvia, the joint venture that the group created in 2021 with the American company Plug Power. After exhibiting the Master Van H2-Tech at the Paris Motor Show, Hyvia presented it at the Hydrogen Europe show in Brussels. This major event bringing together the leaders of the sector took place from 25 to 27 October. It was the highlight of the European Hydrogen Week.
The characteristics of the Master Van H2-Tech
The Renault Master Van H2-Tech has an electric motor with a power of 57 kW. A 30 kW fuel cell and a 33 kWh battery provide power to this engine. 4 tanks each containing 1.6 kg of hydrogen supply the fuel cell. 12 m van3 of volume, Master Van H2-Tech is perfectly adapted to the transport of goods and parcels. In addition, its height of 1.80 m allows you to stand up inside. With its 400 km range, it perfectly meets the needs of professionals for their intensive use. This is all the more so since the charging time is limited to only 5 minutes. A smart hybrid system Dual Power between the fuel cell and the battery optimizes energy efficiency. This configuration also makes it possible to have the best balance between the consumption of hydrogen and electrical energy for an optimized cost of use.
High goals for Hyvia
A human, technological and industrial adventure, Hyvia has taken up major challenges since its creation and is moving forward quickly. Already available for online booking, the Renault Master Van H2-Tech is about to hit the road in Europe. The brand has thus taken a decisive step in its development and now has high objectives. It is thus aiming for a 30% European market share in hydrogen utility vehicles by 2030. In the meantime, vehicle tests are continuing in partnership with major partners such as Airbus, Chronopost, Engie and Orange. Trials in France, but also in Germany with Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG, a major logistics player, and Packeta, a digital platform dedicated to e-commerce and parcel delivery solutions.
A production made in France
The production of the Renault Master Van H2-Tech takes place entirely in France, on four sites. Hyvia’s head office is located in the Yvelines at Villiers-Saint-Frédéric, which also hosts the engineering and R&D center. The production of the Renault Master H2-Tech takes place in Meurthe-et-Moselle in the Batilly factory. Fuel cell assembly and testing take place in Flins at Renault’s Re-Factory. Hyvia is continuing to deploy an entire hydrogen ecosystem there. In addition to the ramp-up of its fuel cell assembly line, it will also ensure the assembly of refueling stations and the production of green hydrogen. It is also currently finalizing the installation of its first electrolyser. Finally, the integration of fuel cells is taking place in the PVI plant in Gretz-Armainvilliers in Seine-et-Marne.
Support from the European Commission
The European Commission has just confirmed that Hyvia is part of the Important Project of Common Interest (IPCEI) “ Hy2Tech “. It also authorized member states to provide public support for this project aimed at supporting the first industrial deployment in the hydrogen technology value chain. For Hyvia, being part of the PIIEC is a major step in its future development. In particular, it will enable it to forge partnerships with many French and European players. In addition, Hyvia will therefore be able to benefit from financial support from the French government. This will support it in particular in the development of several generations of vehicles. Thus, in addition to the Master Van H2-Tech, Hyvia is already working on a prototype of the Master City Bus H2-Tech. An urban minibus capable of carrying up to 15 passengers. Ideal for local businesses and public services.