Hydrogen power boosts eco-friendly meals on wheels

An electrified van, equipped with a cutting-edge hydrogen power unit, is currently undergoing a trial run with a Welsh meals on wheels service, aimed at significantly reducing its carbon emissions.

The innovative hydrogen power unit, developed by Vantastec in collaboration with PowerCell, has been integrated into a Nissan Townstar electric van. This pioneering technology is designed to power equipment essential for defrosting and reheating meals to a palatable temperature.

The trial is being conducted by Monmouthshire Council for their Monmouthshire Meals service, a vital lifeline that provides hot and frozen meals to residents in need, enabling them to maintain their independence within their homes for longer periods.

Operating round the clock, 365 days a year, the service caters to around 300 households through specially designed vehicles, ensuring timely delivery of essential meals.

The introduction of the hydrogen power unit has enabled the council to incorporate an electric vehicle into their fleet without compromising on the vehicle’s daily range.

Gareth Edwards and Colin Smith, the managing directors at Vantastec, expressed their enthusiasm towards the potential of the new hydrogen power unit in driving businesses towards achieving net zero emissions.

They explained, “While battery-powered vehicles have their advantages, the addition of heavy ancillary equipment can significantly impact the practical range of an electric vehicle. Feedback from our customers indicates that electric vehicles may not be the most suitable option for various business operations.”

“Our innovative hydrogen power unit eliminates the need for additional batteries, providing fleet operators with a swift refuelling option at hydrogen fuel stations in under 10 minutes,” they added.

This cutting-edge power unit serves as a zero-emission, independent energy source for specialist vehicle operators, empowering them to operate onboard equipment like microwaves, water heaters, and regeneration ovens efficiently.

A team from PowerCell recently collaborated with Vantastec at their headquarters in South Wales to conduct extensive testing on the power unit. The successful completion of the proof of concept phase marked a significant milestone in the project.

Stuart Sharp, the sales manager at PowerCell, expressed his pride in being a part of this groundbreaking project, highlighting the growing importance of hydrogen fuel cells in our transition towards a sustainable future.

He remarked, “This project exemplifies the growing demand and vast potential of hydrogen fuel cells in various applications, showcasing their pivotal role in shaping a greener world.”

Gareth Edwards and Colin Smith of Vantastec reiterated the versatility of the power unit, emphasizing its compatibility with different types of vans as an additional power source, not limited to oven vans. Moreover, they highlighted its potential as a standalone generator for charging electric vehicles.

The duo concluded, “We have ambitious plans for the hydrogen power unit and eagerly anticipate the transformative impact it will have on future mobility.”