Fleet transition to zero emission vehicles takes centre stage

Police and business representatives have visited Teesside University’s Net Zero Industry Innovation Centre (NZIIC) to investigate the feasibility of utilising hydrogen vehicles within the police fleet.

Academics from the University welcomed staff from Cleveland Police and emergency vehicles equipment manufacturer Standby RSG to NZIIC as part of the Research England Hydrogen Innovation Project (REHIP).

The 24-month Feasibility of Incorporating Sustainable Hydrogen Cars into the Operation of Police (FISH-COP) REHIP project compares the operational performance of hydrogen cars and battery electric vehicles across different policing scenarios in the Tees Valley.

As well as assessing the environmental impact and economic implications, the project aims to understand the perceived safety concerns and people’s perception of integrating hydrogen cars into police operations.

The project lead Dr Sean Williams, a research fellow at the NZIIC, said: ‘Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are instrumental in the government and industry drive to reducing emissions and will influence the entire transportation sector.

‘Working closely with Cleveland Police and establishing external partnership networks offers unique insights that will help a fleet transition to zero emission vehicles.

‘Engaging with police officers and the wider community in the transition plans and highlighting the benefits of zero-emission vehicles will promote acceptance and address uncertainty.’

The automotive industry focus has been on electrification of light-duty vehicles and extending the national EV charging infrastructure.

Despite this, the sector is calling for rapid action to stimulate urgent market interventions as weak demand and unsustainable costs threaten the UK zero emission vehicle transition.

The zero-emission vehicle mandate that sets out the percentage of new zero emission cars and vans manufacturers will be required to produce each year up to 2030 is adding further economic uncertainty and threatens consumer confidence in electric vehicles.

However, introduction of alternative fuels into the mix is gaining traction and may encourage greater investment in UK car industry. If fuelled by hydrogen produced from renewable sources, zero-emission fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV) can generate high voltage electricity to a small buffer battery, which provide the transient power for acceleration.

For these reasons, REHIP projects are working alongside industry partners to build up the hydrogen economy, creating jobs within the Tees Valley district.

Associate Professor of Research, Dr Huda Dawood, Project Principal Investigator of FISH-COP added: ‘Hydrogen presents a massive economic opportunity for the UK and the FISH-COP project is just one example how Teesside University is investing in tackling the climate crisis.’

Professor Nashwan Dawood is Director of Research at NZIIC and Principal Investigator of REHIP, working closely with Professor Tony Roskilly at Durham University.

Professor Dawood said: ‘REHIP is a four-year £11 million joint venture between Teesside and Durham Universities prioritising research strengths toward a hydrogen-based economy within the Tees Valley district.

‘Our work spans the full hydrogen supply chain, from production, distribution, storage to end use.’

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• Hydrogen
• Net Zero