Opel has become the first vehicle manufacturer to put commercially available production hydrogen LCVs on the road.

The Vivaro-e Hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle has just a three-minute refuelling time for a 400km range

The first van off the line has gone into use with domestic appliance maker Miele, performing daily field service in the Rhine-Main region of Germany.

Meanwhile, the UK fleet launch with right-hand drive vehicles is planned for early 2023 and sister brand Vauxhall is actively speaking to business customers in the UK.

Revealed earlier this year, the Vivaro-e Hydrogen is based on the existing battery electric Vivaro-e and features an electric motor, along with a 10.5kWh lithium-ion battery complemented by a 45kW fuel cell. This gives it a 400km-plus (249-mile) WLTP range and the ability to refuel with hydrogen in around three minutes – about the same time needed to fill up a conventional diesel or petrol vehicle.

The 10.5kWh lithium-ion battery can also be charged externally, enabling plug-in capability – pure electric range stands at 31 miles.

Despite the addition of the hydrogen fuel cell, the Vivaro-e Hydrogen doesn’t sacrifice practicality. It’s available in lengths M and L (4.95m and 5.30m), providing up to 5.3m³ or 6.1m³ of cargo volume and up to 1,000kg of payload.

As with both the fully electric Vivaro-e and the internal combustion engine versions, the Vivaro-e Hydrogen comes with a wide range of driver assistance systems that include a 180-degree panorama rear view camera, blind-spot alert and front/rear park pilot.

Uwe Hochgeschurtz, Opel CEO, commented: “With the new Opel Vivaro-e Hydrogen we are opening the next chapter in our sustainable mobility offensive. The clever concept combines the advantages of hydrogen fuel cell propulsion with the versatility and capabilities of our best-selling light commercial vehicle.”