A ROADSHOW raising awareness of the benefits of hydrogen cars will come to Swindon next month.

The Arval Hydrogen Roadshow will see the Swindon-based business bring high-tech eco-friendly cars to the National Trust's Heelix building on April 12 to give residents a chance to find out more about the technology behind them.

Arval oversees a fuel cell technology research project called the Hydrogen Hub, which is also based in Swindon. The hub and the business wowed Nova Hreod students with the cars last month.

The hub's manager Clare Jackson said: “We are very excited to offer the opportunity to businesses, local authorities and the public to learn about hydrogen vehicles and test the technology. Having the ability for zero-carbon tailpipe emissions while not requiring the consumer to change their behaviour in any way, we hope the events will raise awareness and demonstrate the benefits of the technology.

“We need to grow the market for hydrogen and fuel cell industry and ensure that the UK remains at the forefront of this development as it can play a very important role in decarbonisation of the UK economy.”

Arval 's senior business manger Paul Marchment said: "Thanks to the work we’ve done with the Hydrogen Hub, we have considerable expertise in running hydrogen cars. It is our aim and passion to share this knowledge through these roadshows.

“At each location, we want to reach audiences that together can help drive positive change – for example, businesses, the public, local politicians. We want to show them hydrogen vehicles from manufacturers such as Toyota and Hyundai, and explain how the technology works. Once you know more about the technology, you are more likely to adopt and champion it.

“Right now, the Hydrogen Hub runs seven hydrogen cars with a range of fleet customers. So while in its infancy – and notwithstanding that vehicle production needs to increase to cut purchase price, and that the refuelling infrastructure needs to improve – we believe that with the right backing from the public, businesses, government and manufacturers, the demand for hydrogen will increase and that will help drive a more sustainable future for all.”

In the morning, around 150 invited delegates will hear from hydrogen experts, fleet operators using the vehicles, and car manufacturers including Hyundai, Toyota and Riversimple. The afternoon is open to all.

Arval’s parent company, BNP Paribas UK, is funding the roadshows across as part of its dual commitment to serve the UK economy and invest in championing projects that help lead to a more sustainable future.

To register for the event, search hydrogen roadshow Swindon on eventbrite.co.uk