Peugeot Brings its Hybrid Hydrogen LCV to Market

Paul Myles

TU-Editor

---

27th May 2021

Peugeot has begun production of its first market-ready hybrid hydrogen fuel cell LCV, the e-Expert Hydrogen.

The van, destined for commercial fleets in France and Germany by the end of the year, follows on from the BEV e-Expert introduced in 2020 and voted International Van of the Year the following year.

Based on the EMP2 (Efficient Modular Platform), the e-Expert Hydrogen is a fully electric vehicle, combining two on-board sources:

• A hydrogen fuel cell, located in the engine compartment at the front of the vehicle and supply electricity to the electric engine by chemical process;
• A permanent magnet electric motor with a maximum power of 134bhp, delivering 191ft-lbs of maximum torque. Located on the front axle, this electric drivetrain is similar to that of the e-Expert.

Powered by the brand’s “mid-power plug-in hydrogen fuel cell electric” system, the Peugeot e-Expert Hydrogen can refuel in three minutes and is fitted with a 10.5 kWh battery that helps power the electric motor. It’s claimed maximum range is more than 245-miles. The on-board three-phase 11 kW charger allows the van’s battery pack be fully charged in less than one hour from an 11kW Wall Box (32A), in three hours from a reinforced socket (16A), or in six hours from a standard socket (8A).

At start-up and a low speed, the high-voltage battery alone provides the electric engine with the power it needs for traction. At a steady speed, the fuel cell supplies the energy directly to the electric motor. During acceleration, overtaking or hill climbing, the fuel cell and the high-voltage battery are combined to supply and, during braking and deceleration, the electric motor recharges the high-voltage battery. The hydrogen tank system is located under the floor to leave the load capacity unaffected. The e-Expert Hydrogen comes with a maximum load volume of up to 6.1 square meters, and a maximum payload of up to 2,450lbs and has a towing capacity of up to 2,200lbs.

From the central console, drivers can choose between three driving modes; Eco, Normal and Power to suit a variety of needs. Eco is optimized for range, while Normal is ideal for daily use. Power optimizes performance when carrying heavy loads.
Julie David, managing director of Peugeot UK, said: “Hydrogen vehicles offer another zero emissions solution for the industry. The e-Expert Hydrogen is Peugeot’s first fuel cell vehicle and confirms our commitment to offering our buyers the right powertrain to suit their needs.”

— Paul Myles is a seasoned automotive journalist based in Europe. Follow him on Twitter @Paulmyles_