Opel’s hydrogen bus suddenly 40% cheaper
Hydrogen without headaches
The Vivaro HYDROGEN is a van for entrepreneurs who want to drive locally emission-free without the disadvantages of long charging stops. Just refueling? In a few minutes the hydrogen is back in, and with a range of more than 400 kilometers you don’t have to look for a station after every drive. Fortunately, because not every street corner has a hydrogen filling station.
Do not suffer from low temperatures
Another advantage: extreme cold hardly affects the range, something that electric vehicles still sometimes suffer from. In addition, the Vivaro HYDROGEN remains practical: the cargo volume is unchanged compared to the diesel and electric variants, with a maximum cargo area of 6.1 m³ and a payload of more than 1,000 kg.
What does that cost?
Opel has reduced the price of the Vivaro HYDROGEN by 40% compared to its predecessor. The van is now on sale from 71,500 euros (excluding VAT). That remains a hefty sum, but entrepreneurs who buy smart can save substantially thanks to the SWIM subsidy. Those who participate in a partnership with a hydrogen station can receive up to 35,750 euros in subsidies per vehicle. Grant applications for 2025 open April 1 and run until May 7.
Hydrogen growing, but infrastructure remains challenge
Experts agree that hydrogen plays an important role in the energy transition. But without enough refueling stations, large-scale adoption remains difficult. The EU has therefore determined that hydrogen refueling stations should be installed every 200 kilometers along highways. The number of 700-bar stations in Europe should increase from 150 now to at least 500 in 2030.
Opel and parent company Stellantis, meanwhile, continue to invest in hydrogen technology. “In addition to a basic network, it is important to set up hydrogen ecosystems, for example around large cities. This is not possible overnight, but Opel and Stellantis continue to play a pioneering role in this,” said Opel’s hydrogen strategist Lars Peter Thiesen.