The HyFive project, part-financed by the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking, pools the resources of five vehicle manufacturers, plus hydrogen fuel suppliers and energy consultancies to research, develop and demonstrate the technology across Europe.

BMW, Daimler, Honda, Hyundai and Toyota will deploy a fleet of 110 vehicles, including 75 Hyundai ix35 FCEVs, will be deployed at cities in Italy, Denmark, Austria, Germany and the UK. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles produce electricity to drive their own electric motors, with only water vapour as a by-product and refilling times close to a conventionally powered model.

Hydrogen fuel companies, including Air Products, Copenhagen Hydrogen Network, ITM Power, Linde and OMV, will work with other signatories including Element Energy, PE INTERNATIONAL, the Institute for Innovative Technology and the European Fuel Cell to install six new fast refuelling stations, conduct research and set standards across the region.

Bert De Colvenaer, executive director of the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking, said: HyFIVE will represent the largest single project of its kind financed by the FCH JU. The high level of technology readiness of this zero emission transport technology will be showcased in five European Member States, thus ensuring a broad geographical outreach.

‘In addition, the project will also contribute to the buildup of the first networks at local levels necessary to support the market introduction of the vehicles in the coming years.’