Riversimple plans a fuel cell van
Riversimple is planning a fuel cell van that could be produced from 2025 onwards. Riversimple will rent the vehicle as part of a "service package" with very flexible times and rates. Customers will pay a fee that covers usage, maintenance, insurance, licensing, and even refueling the cars with hydrogen. This means the British company is also targeting large customers like DHL and others, who would save themselves a similar investment as with the Streetscooter or like Amazon with Rivian.
If a Riversimple vehicle has a problem, the user only needs to exchange it for a new one. However, the British company – like LEVC, which is planning a lifespan of 15 years for its VN 5 van (instead of the usual eight) – wants to build ahead in this regard. The vans are to be extremely robust, energy-efficient (to avoid expensive refueling), safe, and easy to repair, keeping service and insurance rates as low as possible. This way, Riversimple aims to offer a worry-free subscription model.
Currently, the "Rasa" coupe is on its way to series production, which Prince Charles was allowed to test (see video) – and he also saw the van in sketch form.
In addition, the consumption of raw materials should be minimized as much as possible, as it is in the manufacturer's interest to keep the vehicle running as long and efficiently as possible. DHL seems to have an interest in the UK, planning – similar to Amazon with Rivian – to support Riversimple in setting up a sustainable production facility in Wales, which is expected to start delivering cars in 2024. The production capacity is expected to be a modest 5,000 cars per year. However, Riversimple plans to establish a decentralized model of several factories near customers to create regional jobs.
What does this mean?
Riversimple is one of the start-ups that keeps the flag of fuel cells flying high. Besides the "Rasa," which is now undergoing practical tests and recently even had Prince Charles taking a short test drive, the Brits are also planning a four-door version and a van based on this model, which, however, will only be distributed through a subscription model and locally produced. DHL UK is said to be interested, which is surprising as they followed a similar (unfortunately moderately successful) concept with StreetScooter, which DHL promptly tied itself to – and now wants to get rid of again. Advantage for DHL: Riversimple would bear all the business and operational risks.
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