HyFIVE (Hydrogen For Innovative Vehicles) was an ambitious European project that brought together 15 partners from the 5 global automotive companies who are leaders in the commercialisation of fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs): BMW, Daimler, Honda, Hyundai and Toyota). Together they deployed over 150 FCEVs.
One of HYFIVE’s key objectives was to validate the environmental performance of FCEVs and the refuelling infrastructure, including different hydrogen fuel supply options. By analysing the well to wheels analyses of the project’s technology, the team achieved an objective comparison with conventional diesel and gasoline vehicles.
Over 100 vehicles have been operating within the project’s southern cluster (a region comprising Bolzano, Innsbruck, Munich and Stuttgart) for the duration of the project, utilising the existing hydrogen infrastructure network. An additional hydrogen refuelling station in Innsbruck was installed, strengthening the connection between Germany and Austria. Additionally, two new stations in Aarhus and Korsør were installed in Denmark raising the country’s HRS number to 10. Lastly, London has seen three new refuelling stations and the UK government plans to phase out diesel and gasoline cars by 2040, recognising that hydrogen is a solution for decarbonising roads and reducing air pollution.
HYFIVE has also played a part in leading policy developments. In the UK, they helped to usher in the co-integration of conventional stations with hydrogen pumps. This included the fostering of a new relationship between ITM Power and Shell to expand and commercialise London’s HRS network. In Denmark, tax exemption will be extended for FCEVs to 2019 and in 2017, the maximum supply pressure limit for hydrogen was raised from 350 bar to 700 bar in Italy – the value needed for modern cars.
[Latest update: September 2024]
