La Poste, the postal service provider in France, is testing hydrogen fuel cell ‘range-extender kits’ from Symbio FCell in its Renault Kangoo Z.E. electric vehicles.
Symbio FCell and La Poste say the combined hydrogen fuel cells and batteries will double the EVs' range, to more than 60 miles. The testing, which is scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2014, will focus on the use of the EVs in cold weather conditions on hilly/mountainous terrain.
‘The fuel cell solution improves winter working conditions for postal workers by providing better heating and defogging without impacting battery performance,’ says Jean-Francois Courtoy, industrial director at La Poste in Franche Comte. ‘In addition, it makes replacing the diesel vehicles that are used today for longer routes possible.’
