Seven hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles manufactured by Mercedes Benz, Honda, Hyundai and Toyota are being showcased in Cardiff today (Wednesday) and will arrive at Concert Hall Approach near the Royal Festival Hall in the capital on Saturday 6 October. Members of the public carrying a full driving licence will be able to drive the vehicles on public roads around the area for free.

 

Energy consultant Guto Owen, who helped organise the British leg of the European tour, said: “We are hoping to demystify the technology for members of the public by allowing them to drive the cars. Seminars are also being hosted to promote the need for a larger infrastructure of hydrogen refuelling stations in the UK.”

 

The European Hydrogen Road Tour started in the German city of Hamburg three weeks ago before heading south to Bolzano in Italy and on to Paris. It will conclude in Copenhagen next week. There are currently fewer than 20 hydrogen refuelling stations in the UK.

 

Daniel Barrett of the London Hydrogen Partnership told an audience in the City last week that mass market use of hydrogen powered vehicles could bring enormous environmental and economic benefits to London.