Smith Electric trials fuel cell extended vehicles

Smith Electric Vehicles is trialling a fuel cell that could double the range of its battery-powered vans and trucks.

Currently its electric commercial vehicles have a maximum range of around 100 miles (160km) which makes them ideal for low mileage urban operations. However, by adding a small hydrogen fuel cell as a range extender, the vehicles will be able to achieve closer to 200 miles (320km).

Kevin Harkin, Sales Director for Smith Electric Vehicles, said: "Utilising a fuel cell range extender opens up exciting new possibilities for our electric vans and trucks.

"Enhancing the range capabilities provides a wider application for electric vehicles within large fleets, without compromising our zero emission philosophy."

The UK-based manufacturer has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with fuel cell experts Proton Power Systems plc in Germany to help the firm develop a new range of hydrogen fuel extended vehicles.

Smith Edison van fitted with fuel cell

Under the MoU, both parties will collaborate to build and market a battery-powered commercial vehicle, equipped with a Proton Power PM200 fuel cell as a range extender. The fuel cell is used to top-up the batteries and support auxiliary vehicle functions such as air conditioning and heating. The fuel cell also provides an on-board electrical supply, which improves ease of maintenance.

Proton Power and Smith will present the first prototype at the Hannover Fair in April 2010, a premier trade event for the power industry. Thereafter, the partners plan to roll out the vehicle in transport and maintenance applications across German municipalities, with the first vehicles due to be delivered in the last quarter of 2010.

Electric vehicles integrated with a fuel cell expand the addressable market for zero emission vans and trucks. Pure electric commercial vehicles have a limited range and are restricted to low mileage, urban operations.

Thomas Melczer, CEO of Proton Power, said: "Fuel cell range extenders are an attractive option for overcoming the current problems of electric vehicles.

"Smith has extensive experience with electric vehicles and a strong reputation in the market. We look forward to working with them to roll out our fuel cells as vehicle range extenders in Germany and beyond."

One of the world's most successful electric vehicle makers, Smith is renowned for its work with carmaker Ford in producing a range of electric prototypes as well as for its successful fleet orders with Sainsbury's, Royal Mail, TNT Express to name a few. The firm's products has also recently been added US GSA Schedules, meaning that they are approved for purchase and use with federal agencies and the US military.