He says: “If we knew that there was technology ahead which would extend the range of electric vehicles, then we would be more positive but the fact is that there is nothing like this on the horizon.

“The ultimate goal is the fuel-cell. These vehicles are already being made but at present they are too expensive.

"But we believe that in 10 years' time fuel-cells running on hydrogen will overtake the internal combustion engine as the main choice in vans.”

In the meantime, Citroën is working hard to produce new hybrid options.

At present, the Berlingo is available as a micro-hybrid – a diesel engine with stop-start and power regeneration through braking – that cranks the fuel economy up to 62.8mpg and drops CO2 emissions to 118g/km.

A full electric/diesel hybrid version of the DS5 car is already in production and Meyer predicts that a van model won’t be too far behind.

He says: “Hybrids could well be the norm before fuel-cells arrive in a way that electric power could never be.”

PSA, Citroën’s owner, is also working on a new hybrid concept in which petrol and compressed air are used. Under braking, the vehicle’s wheels would power reverse drives in the gearbox which in turn would drive oil pumps that compress air in a long cylinder.

The energy stored would be released to help power the engine.

Under the plans, 15 minutes of normal use would produce enough compressed air for 45 minutes “free” driving.

Citroën reckons this technology could be on sale by 2016.

Meyer also predicts that speed limiters will eventually be a legal requirement on all light commercial vehicles.

He adds: “This would not only mean fuel savings for the fleet operator but the price of the van would be lower as we could fit smaller brakes, take a gear out of the gearbox and fit smaller radiators.”