Vantastec Delivers Huge Boost For Businesses’ Net Zero Goals
The world’s first Hydrogen-powered meals-on-wheels vehicle has entered trials.
Converted on-site by Vantastec at our Ystrad Mynach HQ, the vehicle will be used by Monmouthshire County Council on a four to six week-long trial for their Monmouthshire Meals service.
The vehicle combines Nissan’s electric Townstar with our patent-pending Hydrogen Power Unit; an exciting new product for the light commercial vehicle industry.
Vantastec Managing Directors Gareth Edwards and Colin Smith said:
“This product is a gamechanger for helping businesses reach net zero.
“We’ve been working hard behind the scenes for over a year to make this happen. So, it’s really fulfilling to see it come to life.
“Sustainability has always been at the forefront of what we do. We’re very fortunate to work with people who share our vision and can enable us to make our visions a reality.
“We’d like to thank PowerCell, Monmouthshire Council, and Cardiff Capital Region for helping this project succeed.
“Without them, it wouldn’t have been possible.”
Housed in an electric Nissan Townstar van, the vehicle uses Vantastec’s new, patent-pending ‘Hydrogen Power Unit’, providing power to equipment to defrost and regenerate meals to an edible temperature.
The Power Unit gives specialist vehicle operators a new, zero-emission independent power source for onboard equipment such as microwaves, water heaters and regeneration ovens.
It was built and developed in partnership with Swedish fuel cell experts, the PowerCell Group.
Members of the PowerCell team spent last week on-site at Vantastec HQ testing the unit, where Proof of Concept was successfully signed off.
Powercell’s Stuart Sharp has been hands-on helping Vantastec with the project from the beginning. He said:
PowerCell is proud to be a part of this project, which is bringing hydrogen applications closer to the community.
This demonstrates the limitless possibilities and demand for hydrogen fuel cells in our lives as we transition to a greener future. The success of this project, achieved in record time, is attributed to the teamwork between PowerCell and Vantastec.
Both companies have contributed their expertise and dedication to develop the hydrogen fuel cell power generation system installed on the roof of the vehicle. This collaboration showcases that true net-zero fleet operation is achievable today.
Having built fully-electric vehicles for meals-on-wheels services throughout the UK, Vantastec believes hydrogen to be a more practical alternative for organisations looking to decarbonise their fleets and achieve net zero.
Instead of spending hours charging batteries, users can simply refill the Power Unit at a hydrogen fuelling station in just under 10 minutes – similar to refuelling a diesel vehicle.
Managing Directors Gareth Edwards and Colin Smith continued:
“Battery-powered vehicles certainly have their place. But when it comes to installing heavy ancillary equipment, any additional weight can drastically affect an EV’s real-world range.
“Feedback from our customers tells us EVs aren’t optimal for a lot of organisations’ workflows.
“Our Power Unit can be installed on any kind of electric van as an additional power source – not just meals-on-wheels vehicles.
“You can even use it as a standalone generator to charge your electric vehicles.
“We have big plans for it. And we can’t wait to see what the future holds.”
Monmouthshire Meals delivers hot and frozen meals to county residents with an assessed need, helping them stay independent in their homes for longer.
The service operates 365 days a year, bringing meals to approximately 300 households in their specially-made vehicles.
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