Royal Mail Trials Hydrogen Powered Van For Deliveries

Today, Royal Mail announced it is trialing a new hydrogen powered van on delivery routes in Altens, Aberdeen for a twelve-month period.

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The company had tested a similar van concept 10 years ago. But as technology has significantly evolved over the past decade, it is keen to understand how hydrogen can operate within its fleet, particularly for larger vehicles and longer routes, where electricity may not be a viable alternative fuel.

The 3.5 tonne van is a dual fuel vehicle and can travel up to 120 miles in dual fuel mode, with up to 60% of its power generated by Green Hydrogen. As part of the trial, the remainder of its power comes from diesel fuel.

Refuelled close to the delivery office, the vehicle is designed to help postmen and women deliver letters and parcels securely, whilst reducing associated emissions. Deliveries during the trial will operate as normal, on suitable routes.

When made with renewable energy, and used in a fuel cell as a source of power for vehicles, hydrogen can provide a zero-emission fuel, which produces water vapour instead of CO2e, and other emissions.

“As a Company, we are committed to making changes to our operations that reduce our environmental impact. Hydrogen is viewed by many as a vital source of future sustainable energy; so, as such, is a perfect addition to our program of initiatives that enable us to assess ways of achieving this, while allowing us to continue to deliver letters and parcels safely, efficiently and responsibly,” said James Baker, Chief Engineer and Fleet Director at Royal Mail.

This initiative forms part of Royal Mail’s program of alternative fuel vehicle trials. They are an example of the Company’s ongoing commitment to reduce emissions associated with its operations.