IAA Transportation: Opel/Vauxhall launches hydrogen Movano van

Opel/Vauxhall has stepped into the hydrogen spotlight once again with the debut of its Movano hydrogen van at IAA Transportation.

The company’s first foray into hydrogen came with the launch of their Vivaro hydrogen van –  where they integrated the fuel-cell without no modifications the body and no impact on the cargo space – in early 2023. That van is in production and for sale in select European markets.

Now, the Movano – Opel’s ‘big’ van – promises over 500km of range and a refuel time of under five minutes, aiming to revolutionise commercial transport with a blend of efficiency and zero emissions.

Movano hydrogen

The Movano van is a practical workhorse: boasting a combination of hydrogen fuel cell technology and a plug-in battery, delivering 110 kW (150 hp) and a maximum torque of 410 Nm.

It has clever regenerative braking, adding to its efficiency, but despite all this tech, it still offers up to 17 cubic metres (183 sq ft) of loading space. So, there’s no sacrificing utility for sustainability here.

Refuelling and range

One of the main gripes with electric vehicles has always been the recharge time. With the Movano hydrogen – that’s history.

A full hydrogen refill takes less than five minutes, which means businesses can keep their fleets rolling without lengthy downtime. Factor in a range of over 500 kilometres, the Movano ready for the long haul.

Alongside the Movano hydrogen, Opel showcased the Opel Rocks Electric and Combo Electric at the event, with the little electric Rocks fitting into the load space of the Movano.

This new Movano demonstrates the potential of hydrogen in commercial vehicles where it combines practicality, efficiency, and innovation to meet the demands of a modern practical workforce.