Report
Teaser, summary, work performed and final results
Periodic Reporting for period 1 - ZEFER (Zero Emission Fleet vehicles For European Roll-out)
Teaser
Despite continued support for the hydrogen mobility sector, there remains low uptake of fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) in number of sales. This presents a significant challenge for the commercialisation efforts of the sector with a need to identify early business cases...
Summary
Despite continued support for the hydrogen mobility sector, there remains low uptake of fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) in number of sales. This presents a significant challenge for the commercialisation efforts of the sector with a need to identify early business cases that can support the acceleration of the roll-out.
The ZEFER project aims to demonstrate viable business cases for captive fleets of FCEVs in operations which realise the value of hydrogen vehicles. For example, by the intensive use of vehicles and HRS, or by avoiding pollution charges in city centres where the refueling characteristics of FCEVs suit the duty cycles of the vehicle. Through this demonstration, ZEFER aims to drive sales of FCEVs in these applications to other cities, to increase global sales volumes of FCEVs and improve the business case for HRS serving these captive fleets.
The concerted activities in the ZEFER project will allow the consortium to:
• Deploy 180 fuel cell passenger cars in fleet operations across three major cities in Europe - Paris, Brussels and London.
• Rigorously test the performance of FCEVs in high-mileage fleets, travelling millions of kilometers over the project period.
• Prove that fleet operation of FCEVs is a viable business model for high mileage fleets in urban areas, bringing potential savings to the fleet operator when the externalities of choosing a zero-emission vehicle over an incumbent diesel vehicle are considered.
• Gather data on the performance of FCEVs as high mileage fleet vehicles to provide an evidence base that these vehicles are reliable, and suitable to be deployed in major cities around Europe, and across the world.
• Increase the utilization of HRS to demonstrate the viable business models for early HRS supported by captive fleets.
• Test the performance of today’s best-in-class hydrogen refuelling station technology under significantly increased loading compared to current levels. This will help to highlight the reliability of the stations and their ability to meet the demands of a growing number of FCEVs on the road.
• Communicate the benefits of FCEVs in fleet operation through widespread dissemination of the technical and business modelling research results. Decision-makers will be targeted to initiate conversations in local authorities and to foster acceptance of FCEV fleets.
Work performed
Key progress during the 1st year of the project includes:
• The project framework was confirmed and the project began on 1st September 2017.
• Following delivery of 25 Toyota Mirais to Green Tomato Cars in April 2018, the ZEFER project was officially launched in London on 2nd May 2018 when the first FCEVs were deployed into operation for private rental and taxi service.
• On 12th July 2018, HYPE received delivery of 25 Toyota Mirai in Paris. This marked a major milestone for the sector as well as for the project as HYPE’s taxi fleet reached 100 FCEVs – the largest taxi fleet in the world to date.
• Supporting HYPE’s FCEV deployment in Paris, the Paris Sud (H2ME) and Versailles (H2ME 2) HRS were commissioned in August 2017 and December 2017 respectively.
• Plans for the upgrade of all stations in ZEFER have been submitted – this will allow improved performances of the HRS under high utilisation
• Pre- and during operation driver surveys have been issued and interviews with fleet operators have begun to support the customer value proposition and commercialisation analysis.
• Dissemination materials were produced in Period 1 to kick-off the project. This included the project website and project brochure.
Key next steps are:
• Continue vehicle deployment activities with the aim to have all 180 ZEFER FCEVs on the road by Q4 2019.
• Work towards the completion of HRS upgrade in London, Paris and Brussels in Period 2.
• Closely monitor the commissioning timeline of the Paris Sud and Paris Ouest stations.
• Further analysis of the performance of HRS and vehicles and customer value propositions.
• Increase outreach and dissemination activities to key audiences such as city regulators. Also, increase ZEFER’s presence at hydrogen mobility conferences around the world.
• Continue exchange of best practices and lessons learnt between partners in the project.
Final results
By the end of the project, ZEFER is expected to achieve all milestones originally envisaged.
Website & more info
More info: https://zefer.eu/.