18 September 2002: You’ve not seen a fire engine like this before, but this concept Peugeot - the H20 - uses fuel cell technology for its power, and can be used for reconnaissance and early response in areas within towns and cities which are difficult for large vehicles to access.

The H2O is an electric vehicle with batteries, fitted with an auxiliary unit consisting of a fuel cell. The PSA Peugeot Citroën group first showed this technology in a Taxi PAC* demonstrator vehicle in June 2001. This latest concept has progressed the idea and is equipped with an auxiliary power unit which provides a continuous source of electrical energy to supply various emergency items of equipment such as the pumps, smoke extractors, communication systems, electric sockets, and so on.

Oxygen is drawn from the air, or, when in smoky conditions, from a back-up tank, and the hydrogen is manufactured on board the vehicle as and when it is required. This is done from an aqueous solution of sodium borohydride and a catalyser.

Mixing hydrogen and oxygen causes an electrochemical reaction producing displacement of the electrons which simultaneously produces water, heat, and above all, electricity. The system is very environmentally friendly as the only waste product is water, with no other emissions or pollutants.

The H20 is a fully operational fire-fighting vehicle, equipped with suitable technological equipment, and it was developed in consultation with fire-fighters.