Citroen is adding hydrogen technology to its electric LCV lineup to meet the needs of the 8% of businesses that must travel more than 300 kilometers (186 miles) or don’t have time to recharge their vehicle during the day. Citroen claims that the brand’s range will thus meet all of the segment’s needs.
The first Citroen powered by this form of energy is ë-Jumpy Hydrogen, an electric van with a fuel cell and rechargeable batteries. It keeps its useful volume and load capacity while accommodating this new technology. The new model has a range of more than 400 kilometers (249 miles) (WLTP), and its three 700 bar carbon-fiber hydrogen tanks, which are located next to the battery under the front seats, can be filled in just three minutes.
ë-Jumpy Hydrogen is a fully electric vehicle with two energy sources: a 45 kW fuel cell and a 10.5 kWh battery that serves as a 50-kilometer reserve and takes over when the hydrogen tank runs out. The hydrogen fuel cell ensures the vehicle’s range, while the battery is used in transition phases such as strong acceleration and steep gradients that require more power.
The motor and drive train are powered by a combination of these two sources of energy. To ensure a sufficient charge level, the battery, which recovers energy during deceleration, is automatically charged using electricity generated by the hydrogen fuel cell. It can also be charged at electric-vehicle charging stations via a cable.
ë-Jumpy will be converted at the Stellantis Group’s hydrogen fuel cell research and development center in Russelsheim, Germany, after being manufactured at Citroen’s SevelNord plant.
The first deliveries of ë-Jumpy Hydrogen to fleet customers are scheduled for autumn 2021, and are available in two sizes: M (4.95 m) and XL (5.30 m).
By 2021, Citroen will have electrified its entire light commercial vehicle (LCV) range, with the ë-Jumpy already on the road and the My Ami Cargo, ë-Berlingo Van, ë-Jumpy Hydrogen, and ë-Jumper due to arrive in the second half of the year.
