Hyundai’s prototype ix35 fuel cell electric vehicle has been selected to give Members of the European Parliament and EU officials a taste of the future for hydrogen-powered cars and prove the real-world possibilities of the technology.
The car maker’s SUV fuel cell model was selected by the European Commission-backed Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH JU) to be used as a demonstration vehicle to test and promote hydrogen fuel cell cars.
The trail of the vehicle was announced as part of the FCH JU-organised ‘Joint Technology Initiatives: Innovation in Action’ exhibition in Brussels. Now the ix35 will be made available EU commissioners and other policymakers to test drive until March 2012.
The decision moves Hyundai a step closer to the commercialisation of hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles by 2015. Debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in 2010, the ix35 features important innovations over previous-generation Hyundai FCEVs, including a 55 per cent improvement in driving range and an 80 per cent reduction in manufacturing costs.
Earlier this year, Hyundai signed a memorandum of understanding with the municipality of Copenhagen to establish the necessary infrastructure for the supply and use of FCEVs in Denmark.
Maria da Graça Carvalho MEP, Member of the Industry Committee and host of the exhibition Joint Technology Initiatives, said: “Fuel cell vehicles, such as the ix35 FCEV, have great potential to help fight carbon dioxide emissions, reduce our dependence on hydrocarbons and contribute to economic growth. I am sure my fellow members of the European Parliament will embrace the opportunity to test the viability of hydrogen technology.”
Korean car maker is targeting a price of around US$50,000 (£31,625) by the time the ix35 FCEV goes into commercial production by 2015. This early prototype’s 144 litres hydrogen fuel tank could cost as little as $30 (£19) to fill, giving an estimated cost per mile of around 5p.
The ix35 FCEV has a maximum speed of 100 mph and zero-to-62mph time of 12.8 seconds. Its only tailpipe emissions is water vapour.
