Symbio has integrated a 15 kW fuel cell range extender in a Nissan e-NV200 electric van. The new plug-in hybrid hydrogen vehicle will deliver at least 500 km of range. Symbio plans to introduce it to the European taxi market.

Symbio has already done something similar with several hundred Renault Kangoo ZE Maxi EVs. The converted Kangoos, which are in service in Europe, are equipped with a 22 kWh battery pack and a 5 kW hydrogen fuel cell that uses 2.08 kg H₂ at 700 bar.

Symbio says its new customized e-NV200 will offer taxi drivers a similar total cost of ownership to that of a hybrid taxi.

The van will be available with battery packs ranging in capacity from 24 kWh to 36 kWh. It can be recharged from an electrical source, and refueled with hydrogen (3.8 kg) in three minutes.

“With this integration to Nissan 5-7 seat EVs, taxis can contribute to the improvement of air quality without any change to their daily activities,” said Fabio Ferrari, CEO of Symbio.

Symbio plans to have the vehicle in serial production by September 2018.

Source: Symbio via Green Car Congress