European Consortium Launches Fuel Cell Test Fleet

The ZEFER (Zero Emission Fleet vehicles for European Roll-out) consortium is launching high-mileage test programs for fuel cell vehicles in London, Paris and Brussels.

Each city will deploy 60 vehicles. The program is designed to evaluate the performance of fuel cell technology in such demanding applications as taxis, shuttles and police vehicles.

ZEFER will purchase existing fuel cell vehicles from carmakers, then work with partner organizations to modify them for specific applications. Honda, Hyundai and Toyota are the only companies currently producing fuel cell vehicles, but several other carmakers are due to launch their own models over the next few years.

The first 50 vehicles used in the ZEFER program will be Toyota Mirai sedans, half of which are being delivered this week for use in London by Green Tomato Cars. The ride-hailing company will get another 25 vehicles in September.

The €26 million ($32 million) initiative is partially funded by the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking, a public-private partnership in Europe. Other members of the ZEFER consortium include hydrogen suppliers, transportation services, government agencies and research groups. BMW and Linde are listed as “observer” partners.