A DEAL has been struck between a Welsh car firm and hydrogen refuelling manufacturer ahead of a hydrogen car trial in Monmouthshire.

McPhy, a French hydrogen equipment specialist, will supply Riversimple with a refuelling station for the initial trial of the ‘Rasa’ in Abergavenny later this year.

The proposed refuelling station, the McFilling 20-350, will allow users to fill up their car with hydrogen in less than five minutes to travel 500km without impact on the environment.

The signing of the contract signals McPhy’s first foray into the UK’s “clean mobility” market and comes after the UK Government revealed plans to ban all diesel and petrol cars in the country from 2040 in a bid to tackle air pollution.

“We are delighted that Riversimple has chosen our McFilling solution to support the project to develop the Rasa, its innovative vehicle, which is opening up the future of affordably-priced clean mobility,” said Pascal Mauberger, McPhy’s chief executive.

“We have welcomed the Riversimple team at the demonstration platform for our hydrogen stations in France and they share our vision – ‘Committed to driving clean energy forward’.

“This contract will enable us to enter the UK hydrogen mobility market, which is starting to take off."

The Rasa test will take place in November and December, with applicants of all ages welcomed to apply for the scheme.

Drivers will have the chance to directly influence the final design of the car and the service, which will be offered on a subscription basis – similar to a mobile phone contract.

Dr Stafford Lloyd, systems and sustainability engineer at Riversimple, said: “We are impressed with the simplicity and elegance of McPhy’s refueling solutions and are looking forward to installing the first one on UK soil.”

To apply for the Rasa beta test in Abergavenny, fill out the online application form on Riversimple's website by September 1.