In line with its commitment to drastically reduce the local emissions of its vehicles ever further, Peugeot has become one of the first manufacturers to offer in series production from 2021 onwards, in the compact utility van segment - in addition to its combustion and battery electric models - an electric version powered by a hydrogen fuel cell.
The new Peugeot e-Expert Hydrogen is the latest symbol of the brand's "extended power of choice" strategy, which gives each customer the option to choose from a wide range of engines, the one that is best suited to their own use.
The new Peugeot e-Expert Hydrogen will first be offered to professional customers (direct sales), in France and Germany, from the end of 2021. It will be produced in France, in Valenciennes, and then transformed in the Stellantis competence centre dedicated to hydrogen technology in Germany, in Rüsselsheim.
Kate Gillis, General Manager Peugeot Australia, said: "Globally, Peugeot has committed to offering an electrified variant across the entire model line up by 2025 and the reveal of the e-Expert Hydrogen is a wonderful example of Peugeot's commitment to the 'extended power of choice' strategy.
"Locally, we're excited to begin our electrification journey later this year with the introduction of the Peugeot 3008 HYBRID4 and 508 Fastback Plug-in Hybrid Electric vehicles.
"Moving into 2022, we will be introducing full battery electric vehicles to the Australian market.
"Whilst the e-Expert Hydrogen is not currently available or under consideration for Australia, electric variants of Peugeot's Light Commercial Vehicles are currently under consideration for local introduction."
Peugeot e-Expert Hydrogen
The hydrogen fuel cell electric version is testament to the rapid deployment of the Peugeot Expert range's electrified offering. It follows the introduction of the battery-powered e-Expert in 2020, which was voted International Van of the Year in early 2021 and is the sixth Peugeot vehicle to win this prestigious award since 1992.
The new Peugeot e-Expert Hydrogen includes a new "mid-power plug-in hydrogen fuel cell electric" system, innovative and specific to Stellantis, made up of:
- A fuel cell which produces the electricity needed to drive the vehicle thanks to the hydrogen on board the tank; and
- A high-voltage lithium-ion rechargeable battery with a capacity of 10.5kWh that can be recharged from the electricity grid and which also powers the electric engine during certain driving phases.
The new Peugeot e-Expert Hydrogen stands out with:
- Its ability to cover all distances without local CO2 emissions
- Its ability to fill up with hydrogen in 3 minutes for a range of over 400km in the WLTP homologation cycle (currently undergoing approval)
- A charging socket for the high-voltage battery
- 2 lengths available (Standard and Long) with the same loading volume characteristics as the diesel and battery electric versions
- Up to 6.1m³ load volume
- Up to 1100kg payload
- Up to 1000kg towing capacity
Peugeot e-Expert Hydrogen is designed around a "mid-power plug-in hydrogen fuel cell electric" solution, which combines the advantages of hydrogen, battery technology and electric traction.
The hydrogen in the tank powers the fuel cell, which produces the electricity needed to drive the vehicle over long distances, while the high-voltage battery provides, among other things, the power needed to ensure dynamic performance.
The entire system is integrated into the vehicle to ensure that no compromises have been made in terms of volume or payload.
Next gen e-Van Hydrogen efficiency: a new generation technology
Based on the EMP2 (Efficient Modular Platform), the new Peugeot e-Expert Hydrogen is a fully electric vehicle, combining two on-board sources of electrical energy:
- A hydrogen fuel cell, located in the engine compartment at the front of the vehicle, which supplies electricity to the electric engine by recombining the hydrogen contained in the tank with oxygen from the air. It emits only water vapour through the exhaust pipe.
- A permanent magnet electric motor with a maximum power of 100kW, delivering 260Nm of maximum torque. Located on the front axle, this electric drive train is similar to that of the Peugeot e-Expert (battery-electric model), which stands out in particular with a gearbox adapted to the loading constraints inherent to the use of commercial vehicles.
- A high-voltage lithium-ion battery, located under the cab seats, with a capacity of 10.5 kWh and a power of 90 kW.
- A three-phase on-board charger of 11 kW located in the engine compartment.
- A tank system consisting of 3 hydrogen storage tanks located under the floor, with a total capacity of 4.4kg at a pressure of 700 bar.
The new Peugeot e-Expert Hydrogen offers a range of over 400km according to the WLTP (Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Test Procedures, vehicle undergoing approval), of which about fifty on the charge of the high voltage battery.
Filling up with hydrogen is quick and easy, taking just three minutes via a hatch on the left rear wing. The high-voltage battery (10.5kWh) is recharged via the charging socket on the front left wing.
The different operating phases of the "mid-power plug-in hydrogen fuel cell electric" system are as follows:
- At start-up and at low speed: the high-voltage battery alone provides the electric engine with the power it needs for traction.
- At steady speed: the fuel cell supplies the energy directly to the electric engine.
- During acceleration, overtaking or hill climbing: the fuel cell and the high-voltage battery are combined to supply energy to the electric engine.
- During braking and deceleration: the electric engine recharges the high-voltage battery.
Power is available from the moment the car is started for immediate responsiveness, with no vibration, no noise, no gear shifting, no smell, and of course, no CO2 emissions. Water vapour from the exhaust pipe is the only emission from the system.
To ensure the safety of pedestrians, in town and up to 30km/h, a sound signal goes off to indicate the vehicle is approaching in forward and reverse gear.
To ensure that users enjoy their vehicle with complete peace of mind, the high-voltage battery is guaranteed for 8 years or 160,000km for at least 70% of its charge capacity.
Next Gen e-Van abilities, Functionality without compromise
The new Peugeot e-Expert Hydrogen combines compact exterior dimensions with maximum load capacity. The location of the hydrogen tanks under the floor makes it possible to keep the load volume intact.
This location also ensures safety, while ensuring, thanks to an optimal weight distribution, the pleasure and enjoyment of driving, like on the combustion engine versions.
The driver of the new Peugeot e-Expert Hydrogen will be comfortable in all situations, with a specially adapted power steering system, making it easier to enjoy and, as always, a turning circle of 12.4m (Standard version between kerbs).
Two van versions of the new Peugeot e-Expert Hydrogen are available:
- Standard 4.95m; and
- Long 5.30m.
The useful volume, up to 6.1 m³, as well as the space for the driver and passenger in the two-seater cabin, are the same as those of the internal combustion engine versions.
The maximum payload of 1100kg is specific to the hydrogen electric version.
The towing capacity is maintained, with the possibility of towing up to 1000kg of load.
The Peugeot e-Expert Hydrogen is available in one specification level. It comes with all the necessary comfort and safety features:
- 2 individual seats in the cabin,
- 2 sliding doors,
- 17-inch wheels,
- Electric parking brake with hill start assist,
- Manual air conditioning,
- Visiopark 1, 180 degree reversing camera,
- 7-inch touchscreen central display with Peugeot Connect (TomTom 3D navigation, Bluetooth and mirrorscreen compatibility including Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ connection protocols.
Next Gen e-Van Hydrogen by Peugeot
The new Peugeot e-Expert still has the muscular, robust and rewarding style of the internal combustion versions, with several distinctive features.
On the outside:
- an "e-Expert Hydrogen" monogram at the rear,
- a hydrogen filling hatch on the left rear wing,
- an electric charging hatch on the left front wing,
- a specific intermediate grille,
- a 40 mm higher suspension.
On the inside:
- an analogue instrument cluster with colour matrix adapted to the technology,
- specific graphics for the central touchscreen with TomTom Traffic 3D Navigation,
- e-Toggle automatic transmission control,
- a driving mode selector that allows you to choose between Eco, Normal or Power modes,
- an electric parking brake.
The cockpit of the new Peugeot e-Expert Hydrogen
In the driver's seat, the central console is designed to accommodate:
- the "e-Toggle" gearbox control, perfectly integrated and ergonomic, it gives access to the Park / Reverse / Neutral / Drive and Brake functions,
- the 3 driving modes selector, Eco / Normal / Power,
- the electric parking brake control,
- a storage compartment in the upper part,
- a side storage net next to the electric parking brake support.
The new Peugeot e-Expert Hydrogen offers 3 driving modes from the mode selector:
- Eco (60 kW, 190 Nm): for better range,
- Normal (80 kW, 210 Nm): optimal for everyday use,
- Power (100 kW, 260 Nm): optimises performance when carrying heavy loads.
Two braking modes are available, with suitable battery regeneration types:
- moderate, for a similar feeling to a combustion engine vehicle,
- increased (accessible via the "B" push button for "Brake" located on the gearbox control), for enhanced deceleration when the accelerator pedal is released.
The handset has changed to share the information needed to manage a fuel cell electric vehicle:
- a power meter for displaying the level of energy consumption (ECO, energy optimisation or POWER, maximum power or CHARGE for energy recovery),
- a hydrogen level gauge,
- a battery charge level gauge,
- a colour matrix for displaying on-board computer information and range.
The new Peugeot e-Expert Hydrogen is the first Peugeot production vehicle to offer an electric version with a hydrogen fuel cell. With this new vehicle, which perfectly embodies the "extended power of choice" strategy, Peugeot is going even further in the electrification of its models.
The specification mentioned throughout this release is in relation to the global reveal of the new Peugeot e-Expert Hydrogen. This vehicle is not available in the Australian market.
PEUGEOT
For over 210 years, the Peugeot name and its iconic Lion emblem has appeared on a range of products from coffee grinders to pepper mills, bicycles, scooters and automobiles – Peugeot has always been at the forefront of mobility and innovation. The French marque boasts a broad history of being locally assembled and sold in Australia since the 1950s as well as winning prestigious and gruelling events like the iconic Dakar Rally and the REDeX Around Australia Reliability Trial. Today, Peugeot leverages this rich history to deliver sharp design, uncompromising quality, an instinctive driving experience and award-winning excellence in its mobility solutions for the modern motorist.