Riversimple, an eco-car maker based in the English Midlands, has announced a trial of its hydrogen fuel cell cars.

Starting at the end of next year, the firm will roll out around 30 of its vehicles in Shropshire and Herefordshire for a 12-month period.

The cars in question are two-seaters that weigh 350kg and have a top speed of 50mph, along with a range of up to 200 miles.

Made from carbon fibre, the cars, which were designed by Hugo Spowers, use a six-kilowatt hydrogen fuel cell to generate the electricity to power its motors.

It is thought the vehicles will cost drivers around £250 a month to lease, including fuel.

Riversimple will run an urban trial with another 30 of the cars in Leicester at the same time.

Mr Spowers said: "Like it or not the age of the fossil fuelled car is nearing its end, and for places like Herefordshire and Shropshire to be pioneers as we look to the future is gratifying."

Two years ago, he said he would make the designs for the new cars freely available to speed up the growth of hydrogen vehicles.

Source:

Riversimple hydrogen car trial in Shropshire and Herefordshire (05/10/11) 

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