Hype Taxis Get a Citroën ë-Jumpy

The taxi company will nevertheless continue to prioritize hydrogen.

On the occasion of the taxi show, Hype announced the arrival of its first Citroën ë-Jumpy in its fleet. Modified by Gruau, the vehicle will be dedicated to transporting people with reduced mobility (PRM). A first for Hype, which has set a goal of having a thousand PRM vehicles by 2024.

Until now, Hype only used vehicles powered by hydrogen. The arrival of the e-Jumpy thus marks a slight shift in the company’s approach. However, Hype reminds that hydrogen remains its priority. The newly established links with Citroën and therefore Stellantis will help it go further in this direction, as Carlos Tavares’ group has also developed hydrogen-powered utility vehicles. Hype has ordered two of them, which will be put into service at the end of summer 2022. Simultaneously, the company is also in discussions with other automakers to continue expanding its hydrogen taxi fleet.

Hybrid & electric, the ideal solution according to Hype

For Hype, “the 100% electric ‘hybrid’ solution — rechargeable battery plus hydrogen (…) would be particularly suitable for intensive and unpredictable taxi use”. This approach has been explored by Stellantis, which equipped its hydrogen utility vehicles with a 10.5 kWh lithium-ion battery. This provides an additional range of approximately 50 km. Combining traditional electric power with the fuel cell helps mitigate concerns about finding a suitable station. It can also reduce vehicle operating costs, as electricity is significantly cheaper than hydrogen.

New stations in Île-de-France

In a phase of rapid growth, Hype plans to have 10,000 zero-emission taxis in service by 2024. By the same deadline, the French company also aims to have at least 26 hydrogen stations in Île-de-France. Open to all drivers, these stations will provide green hydrogen, which is less polluting but also much more expensive.

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