Nissan hydrogen car fuels up on region's innovation

March 27 2009

A pioneering green fuel filling station in Birmingham has attracted the Nissan X-Trail FCV (hydrogen fuel cell vehicle), which recently topped up during a test drive in the Midlands.

The global vehicle manufacturer wanted to extend the length of its FCV test drives on public highways and chose to bring the vehicle to the region specifically because the hydrogen filling station is located here, at the University of Birmingham.

The filling station is one of only a handful across the country and has been developed through a £6.2million Hydrogen Energy Project, which is funded by Advantage West Midlands through Birmingham Science City.

Jerry Hardcastle, Vice President of Vehicle Design and Development for Nissan Technical Centre Europe, said: “We are extremely pleased by the support we have received through Birmingham Science City and would like to thank the University of Birmingham and Advantage West Midlands for welcoming this opportunity.

“If fuel cell vehicles are to become a viable commercial prospect for the future, more testing and research is needed. We will be better placed to make progress with the presence of, and access to, hydrogen filling stations like the one in Birmingham.”

Dr Bruno Pollet, from the Fuel Cells Group in the School of Chemical Engineering at University of Birmingham, said: "This is an exciting and very opportune development as the practical application of hydrogen as a clean fuel is a vital stepping stone on the path to a zero emission society."

Norman Price, Chairman of Birmingham Science City and the Regional Enterprise Board, experienced the Nissan X-Trail FCV for himself when it was refuelled in Birmingham. He said: “I am delighted Nissan chose to bring the pioneering FCV to the heart of the region.

“It is precisely because of the regional commitment to, and investment in, innovation that we have been able to attract a world class business like Nissan.

“The creation of a low carbon economy is a priority of the regional economic strategy and energy is a key theme for Birmingham Science City.

“This is an exciting project and an important part of a wider programme of activity that will help to cement the West Midlands' reputation as the lead centre for hydrogen energy research while also creating high level jobs.

“It is also an excellent example of how we are working together to produce a cleaner environment while leading the way in an emerging sector.”

“Innovation is absolutely key to driving forward the West Midlands economy and this project will also help to create high level jobs and further cement the West Midlands' reputation as a lead centre for hydrogen energy research and development.

“Birmingham Science City is about demonstrating how the science and technology in West Midlands universities can improve the quality of life of people in the region and support local businesses.”

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