Smith Electric Vehicles plans to double range of electric van with fuel cell

An electric vehicle manufacturer is to extend trials of fuel cell technology that could double its vehicle range from vans to trucks.

In February, Smith Electric Vehicles (SEV), part of the Tanfield Group, based in Tyne and Wear, announced it was working with German fuel cell experts Proton Power Systems on installing a hydrogen fuel cell in a Smith Edison van, potentially doubling its range.

The two companies are now looking to do the same with a larger Smith Newton truck and are building a prototype that supplements the battery power with a hydrogen fuel cell.

The company’s announcement comes ahead of its presence at the Cenex National Low-Carbon Vehicle event in Bedfordshire today and tomorrow, a major showcase for the electric vehicle industry.

Smith’s technical director Doug MacAndrew said: “The Proton Power technology works extremely well, but packaging it into the available space on our Edison proved quite challenging.

“As a much larger vehicle, the Smith Newton offers us better options for integrating the fuel cell into our existing electric vehicle.”

The Smith Newton, which uses pure battery power, can presently achieve about 120 miles on a single charge, making it ideal for city centre deliveries, airports, and street and building maintenance.

By adding an onboard hydrogen fuel cell and increasing the trucks’ range, Smith hopes it will become more attractive to fleet operators.