Longer FCV test drives

has extended the length of X-Trail FCV (hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle) test drives in the West Midlands, thanks largely to the hydrogen filling station located at

.

The Japanese car manufacturer wanted to extend the length of its FCV test drives on public highways and chose to bring the vehicle to the region specifically because of the hydrogen filling station.

The filling station is one of a few established across the UK and has been developed through a £6.2m Hydrogen Energy Project, funded by Advantage West Midlands through Birmingham Science City.

Jerry Hardcastle, vice-president of vehicle design and development for Nissan Technical Centre Europe, said: ‘If fuel-cell vehicles are to become a viable commercial prospect for the future, more testing and research is needed. We will be better placed to make progress with the presence of, and access to, hydrogen filling stations such as the one in Birmingham.’

Norman Price, chairman of Birmingham Science City and the Regional Enterprise Board, added: ‘The creation of a low-carbon economy is a priority of the regional economic strategy and energy is a key theme for Birmingham Science City.

‘This is an exciting project and an important part of a wider programme of activity that will help to cement the West Midlands' reputation as the lead centre for hydrogen energy research, while also creating high-level jobs. It is also an excellent example of how we are working together to produce a cleaner environment while leading the way in an emerging sector.

‘Innovation is absolutely key to driving forward the West Midlands' economy and this project will also help to create high-level jobs and further cement the West Midlands' reputation as a lead centre for hydrogen energy research and development,’ he added.