NEW E-EXPERT HYDROGEN

HYDROGEN IN SERIES PRODUCTION AT PEUGEOT

Pushing its requirement to drastically reduce the local emissions of its vehicles ever further, Peugeot has become one of the very first manufacturers to offer in series production, from 2021 onwards, in the compact utility van segment, in addition to its combustion and battery electric models, an electric version powered by a hydrogen fuel cell.

The new Peugeot e-EXPERT Hydrogen has therefore become the latest symbol of the brand’s “Extended power of choice” strategy, which gives each customer the option to choose from a wide range of engines, the one that is best suited to his or her own use.

The hydrogen fuel cell electric version is testament to the rapid deployment of the EXPERT range’s electrified offering. After the introduction in 2020 of the battery powered e-EXPERT model, which was voted International Van of the Year in early 2021 and is the sixth Peugeot vehicle to win this prestigious award since 1992.

The new e-EXPERT Hydrogen includes a new “mid-power plug-in hydrogen fuel cell electric” system, innovative and specific to STELLANTIS, made up of:

• A fuel cell producing the electricity needed to propel the vehicle thanks to the hydrogen on board the tank;
• A high-voltage lithium-ion rechargeable battery with a capacity of 10.5 kWh, which can be recharged from the electricity grid and which also powers the electric engine in certain driving phases.

The new e-EXPERT Hydrogen stands out with:

• Its ability to cover all distances without local CO₂ emissions;
• Its ability to fill up with hydrogen in 3 minutes for more than 400 km of autonomy in the WLTP homologation cycle (under homologation);
• A charging socket for the high-voltage battery;
• 2 lengths available (Standard and Long) with the same loading volume characteristics as the diesel and battery electric versions;
• Up to 6,1 m³ load volume;
• Up to 1.000 kg payload;
• Up to 1.000 kg of towing capacity;
• Its adaptability to all road and motorway conditions, with a maximum speed of 130 km/h.

With a strong personality, silent access to city centres, no CO₂ emissions and no compromise in terms of useful performance, the new e-EXPERT Hydrogen is an additional mobility offer. To answer the expectations and needs of professional customers as well as numerous urban communities concerned with preserving the quality of life of their inhabitants.

The new e-EXPERT Hydrogen will first be offered to our professional customers (direct sales), in France and Germany, from the end of 2021. It will be produced in France, in Valenciennes, and then transformed in the Stellantis competence centre dedicated to hydrogen technology in Germany, in Rüsselsheim.

The market and customers

The compact van segment market represents more than 750.000 vehicles per year in Europe. The PEUGEOT Expert has increased its market share every year since its launch in 2016.

Combining electric propulsion with the ability to fill up with hydrogen in 3 minutes for a range of over 400 km WLTP (Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Test Procedures, vehicle undergoing approval), hydrogen fuel cell technology is the answer to the everincreasing number of complex needs and uses of professionals, guaranteeing greater freedom to carry out their activities. It ensures:

• Greater autonomy, which is crucial given that the vast majority of compact vans operate in suburban areas and densely populated city centres, where the need for zero-emission solutions is becoming ever more pressing;
• The full preservation of one of the core functions of light commercial vehicles: the transport of large and heavy objects;
• Unprecedented logistical flexibility and optimised use.

e-EXPERT Hydrogen is designed around a “mid-power plug-in hydrogen fuel cell electric” solution, which combines the advantages of hydrogen, battery technology and electric traction.

The hydrogen in the tank powers the fuel cell, which produces the electricity needed to drive the vehicle over long distances, while the high-voltage battery provides, among other things, the power needed to ensure dynamic performance. The entire system is integrated into the vehicle to ensure that no compromises have been made in terms of volume or payload.

Hydrogen is now becoming a major pillar of the energy transition with the announcement of a range of international projects. In Europe in particular, the ecosystem is developing and the European Clean Hydrogen Alliance is investing an estimated €60 billion to promote this solution.

Thanks to these governmental plans, the number of hydrogen stations in Europe is constantly increasing and the Peugeot brand is working directly with energy suppliers to provide packaged offers.

Author: Peugeot