Element 2 and Riversimple join forces to expand hydrogen refuelling infrastructure in the UK
05/03/2024
Element 2 has announced a significant deepening of its partnership with Riversimple, the pioneering hydrogen car manufacturer. This collaboration marks a pivotal step towards overcoming the primary obstacle in the widespread adoption of hydrogen vehicles: the development of a comprehensive refuelling infrastructure.
Riversimple has been at the forefront of hydrogen vehicle innovation for over a decade, steering the charge towards a sustainable, zero-emission future. With the increasing interest from global manufacturers such as Toyota, BMW, and Honda in hydrogen technology, the need for an accessible and efficient refuelling network has never been more critical.
Element 2 is poised to meet this challenge head-on by rolling out a network of hydrogen refuelling stations across the UK, capable of servicing a broad spectrum of hydrogen-powered vehicles, including Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs), vans, and passenger cars. This initiative represents a crucial step in making hydrogen vehicles a viable and attractive option for both commercial and personal transport sectors.
The updated MOU guarantees that all Element 2 stations will provide refuelling for passenger cars as well as HGVs and commits the two companies to work hand in hand in terms of choice of locations to maximise the commercial benefit to both. The companies also agree to work together with local authorities to develop promising catchments for both retail customers and commercial fleets and respond actively to satisfy market demand for zero-emission cars in areas where battery-electric cars cannot do so.
Tim Harper, CEO of Element 2, highlights the importance of this development: “The initial 20% of vehicles can be relatively easily decarbonised by switching to battery power. However, as we aim to decarbonise further, we encounter significant challenges related to range, weight, and operational uptime. Hydrogen power offers a compelling solution to these issues, and our partnership with Riversimple is a testament to our commitment to enabling the next wave of zero-emission transportation.”
Recent data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders underscores the pressing need for alternative solutions to battery electric vehicles, which have seen stagnating sales figures in both personal and commercial sectors. This stagnation threatens to derail efforts to meet government-mandated zero-emission targets, underscoring the urgency of developing viable alternatives.
Hugo Spowers, founder and MD of Riversimple, expressed optimism about the collaboration: “The market is clearly signalling the need for zero-emission alternatives that can address the practical limitations of battery-powered vehicles. Through our partnership with Element 2, we are ensuring that our forthcoming production vehicles will have the support of a robust refuelling infrastructure, making them a practical choice for consumers across the UK.”
Element 2 is poised to meet this challenge head-on by rolling out a network of hydrogen refuelling stations across the UK, capable of servicing a broad spectrum of hydrogen-powered vehicles, including Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs), vans, and passenger cars. This initiative represents a crucial step in making hydrogen vehicles a viable and attractive option for both commercial and personal transport sectors.
The updated MOU guarantees that all Element 2 stations will provide refuelling for passenger cars as well as HGVs and commits the two companies to work hand in hand in terms of choice of locations to maximise the commercial benefit to both. The companies also agree to work together with local authorities to develop promising catchments for both retail customers and commercial fleets and respond actively to satisfy market demand for zero-emission cars in areas where battery-electric cars cannot do so.
Tim Harper, CEO of Element 2, highlights the importance of this development: “The initial 20% of vehicles can be relatively easily decarbonised by switching to battery power. However, as we aim to decarbonise further, we encounter significant challenges related to range, weight, and operational uptime. Hydrogen power offers a compelling solution to these issues, and our partnership with Riversimple is a testament to our commitment to enabling the next wave of zero-emission transportation.”
Recent data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders underscores the pressing need for alternative solutions to battery electric vehicles, which have seen stagnating sales figures in both personal and commercial sectors. This stagnation threatens to derail efforts to meet government-mandated zero-emission targets, underscoring the urgency of developing viable alternatives.
Hugo Spowers, founder and MD of Riversimple, expressed optimism about the collaboration: “The market is clearly signalling the need for zero-emission alternatives that can address the practical limitations of battery-powered vehicles. Through our partnership with Element 2, we are ensuring that our forthcoming production vehicles will have the support of a robust refuelling infrastructure, making them a practical choice for consumers across the UK.”