Goupil innovates and develops a hydrogen-powered utility vehicle
In collaboration with H2sys, Goupil launches its first hydrogen-powered utility vehicle. This new solution has been integrated on the Goupil G6, the best-performing model in the range.
A look back at the vehicle’s first months on the road and the operation of this new technology.
A hydrogen-powered Goupil: a project for the future?
Diversify to meet new needs
Since its foundation in 1996, Goupil has remained true to its values: offer local authorities, industries, and other businesses alike, 100% electric utility vehicles, environmentally friendly, ever more reliable and robust.
Today more than ever, our mission is to guide every professional in need of a utility vehicle towards choosing sustainable mobility. Therefore, in order to provide our customers with an increasing number of solutions, we are currently testing the relevance of hydrogen on the compact utility vehicles’ market. If this solution is ideal for heavy load trucks or buses, what about Goupil vehicles?
A partnership with H2Sys, a hydrogen expert
Two years after the launch of the G6, a revolution for Goupil in terms of design and architecture, this model continues its development by becoming the manufacturer’s fist hydrogen-powered chassis.
Goupil has developed a partnership with H2Sys who has offered us to best guarantees for the integration of this solution on our electric utility vehicles.
These two French companies share the same business values: focused on the future, they develop innovative and environmentally friendly solutions.
Our mission is to allow for every professional to contribute to the energy transition by choosing our products.
Our success is the result of the commitment of our teams: always available for our customers, they work every day to meet their needs and provide complete satisfaction.
A vehicle on trial in Belfort and soon in other cities in France and in Europe!
Belfort is the first city in France to test the hydrogen-powered Goupil G6. The vehicle was used by maintenance teams over a 3-month period for various applications: household waste collection, transport of raw materials for sanitation and water treatment or the transport of tools such as concrete cutters for road works.
Further tests will be carried out in other French towns but also across Europe, namely the Netherlands.
A project co-financed by the Region of Nouvelle-Aquitaine and “France Relance”
Hydrogen mobility is developing in France, supported by government incentives, as part of a national strategy for accelerating the development of hydrogen in France.
Our project, co-financed by the Region of Nouvelle-Aquitaine and “France Relance”, enables us to offer an additional solution for certain applications.
Dedicated events to learn more about users’ expectations
Goupil has always put the customer at the centre of its product development plan, continually listening to his needs in order to satisfy them as best as possible.
As a manufacturer, exhibitions are the perfect opportunity for us to receive feedback from our customers but also to gather precious information in order to live up to their expectations.
At the beginning of July, we joined our partner H2Sys in Rouen, to take part in the “Journées Hydrogène dans les Territoires” show.
We will also be present at the Hyvolution trade fair that will take place in Paris - Porte de Versailles in February 2023.
Focus on the hydrogen technology
How does it work?
The hydrogen-powered Goupil G6 includes a lithium battery and a Range Extender, consisting of a fuel cell combined with a hydrogen tank.
- The lithium battery: the electric power it stores comes from recharging on the electrical grid.
- The fuel cell: the electric power comes from a chemical reaction between the hydrogen stored in a tank on board the vehicle and the oxygen in the air.
The lithium battery powers the G6’s electric motor. Below 90% of charge level, the fuel cell switches on to recharge the battery.
To find out more about the Range Extender, please visit the website of our partner H2Sys.
Why is it interesting for my future utility vehicle?
The electric hydrogen-powered G6 combines all the advantages of electric with those of hydrogen.
- Combining a lithium battery with a hydrogen fuel cell extends the vehicle’s range, estimated at 290 km depending on use.
- The hydrogen tank can be recharged very quickly, thus reducing the vehicle’s downtime.
Key points to remember about hydrogen:
Dihydrogen (H2), commonly known as hydrogen, consists of 2 hydrogen atoms. Its chemical properties offer great energy potential, which can now be exploited through advances in technology and scientific research.
- The combustion of hydrogen generates a large amount of energy, which can be converted into electricity using a fuel cell.
- Hydrogen combustion does not emit CO2, contributing to sustainable mobility
- It is an efficient way to store a large amount of energy in a small volume.
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