DHL Express and electric vehicle maker StreetScooter have collaborated on a new electric delivery vehicle with hydrogen technology.

The “H2 Panel Van” will be the first 4.25 tonne electric vehicle with an added hydrogen fuel cell, which will provide additional power and enable a range up to 500 kilometres.

DHL Express has ordered 100 of the fuel cell vehicles, with delivery expected from 2020 through to 2021.

“Openness to new technologies is key to our overall strategy, which is why we’re also supporting the use of this battery electric vehicle with additional fuel cell capability,” said Andreas Scheuer, Germany’s Federal Minister of Transport and Digital Infrastructure (BMVI).