INtErvIEw

Hydrogen (H2) is the current buzz-word in the automotive industry, with HYVIA leading the way as a pioneer in the light commercial vehicle sector. Established just over a year ago, much good work has been undertaken, so, with the launch of the Renault Master H2-TECH van soon, you must be pleased with the progress to date?

Yes, hydrogen power has been around for a long time among the main stakeholders and industry players. The two main shareholders in HYVIA are the Renault Group, a global leader in light commercial vehicles production, sales and service, and Plug, the US company that has a 24 year track record in hydrogen development. Both have high technical ability and share the vision for carbon-free mobility. Hydrogen offers this solution. [HYVIA is] providing customers end-to-end with a holistic offering of commercial vehicles, H2 as a fuel, H2 refuelling stations and the production of the fuel through electrolysers, (a chemical process capable of separating hydrogen and oxygen molecules of which water is composed using electricity).

Obviously, the source of the hydrogen fuel must green, providing a seamless supply chain through broad infrastructure, stemming from solar, wind or wave power and in some cases nuclear. Presently, germany

ONE-TO-ONE with Mehdi Ferhan, Chief Operating Officer, HYVIA

and france are investing heavily in this regard, with financial backing from Europe imminent to support its Member States, which is positive, I’m sure you’ll agree?

It’s a key part of the success of this alternative energy and market expansion to encourage and ensure daily usage. New European Union policies are in place, but it will take time and investment. So far in France, Germany, the UK and Netherlands, the roll out of refuelling stations is encouraging. Customers of Renault Commercial Vehicles, which has the know-how, will be the first audience for hydrogen power. Where there is a lack of supply of the fuel, we can provide an easy to use mobile solution.

But the carbon-free fuel supply chain is just one aspect of the whole green nature of the hyvIa hydrogen project?

Hydrogen is one of the key pillars for HYVIA in this mobility shift toward carbon fee emissions. It’s a value proposition for all suppliers and transportation in general, offering a total life cycle proposition in relation to parts manufacture, availability and recyclability upstream, while downstream the same consideration needs to be in place, with as many recyclable parts being available during dismantling and end of life.

with the new renault Master h2-tEch, there will be three model choices, starting with the large panel van, to be followed by the mini-bus and chassis/ cab versions. will these be available soon?

The HYVIA H2-TECH line-up is three-fold as you mentioned, with the panel van targeting last mile logistics and clean emission zone urban areas, and the citybus, which has 15 seats, mainly used as a zero-emission shuttle or municipal type vehicle. The chassis/cab is a robust, flexible vehicle adaptable to many needs and trades, particularly construction and utility sectors. We are confident that the production version of the Renault Master H2-TECH will be launched this Autumn, following EU Certification.

the renault group and Plus which formed hyvIa has formed a new alliance with alpine formula One team, announced at the french grand Prix, what will this bring?

We are grateful to Alpine F1 sponsor Plug, to gain access to the team in this way. It’s a great opportunity for us, a working journey as we share many similarities and objectives - operating in a highly technical, competitive and challenging environment. We both have to work under extreme pressure that is time sensitive. Formula One is like laboratory constantly developing new technologies, creating new designs and shapes as the sport continues to evolve. We look forward to working together to understand the usage of hydrogen, the safety requirements, handling and distribution aspects etc. Alpine’s professional approach, and the speed of application in everything it does is an inspiration for HYVIA as we continue our hydrogen road ahead just over one year in, with lots more to do and share.

apart from brand awareness, will there be more to this partnership?

Yes, we embracing the opportunity and planning to provide Renault Master H2-TECH vans to the Alpine F1 team to assist their logistics and provide a green solution to their supply chain needs.