Hyundai, with its ix35 Fuel Cell vehicle, has become the first automaker in the world to start assembly-line production of zero-emissions, hydrogen-powered vehicles. The ix35 is based on the carmaker’s ix35 C-segment SUV.
Hyundai plans to build 1,000 ix35 Fuel Cell vehicles by 2015 for lease to public and private fleets, primarily in Europe, where the European Union has established a hydrogen road map and initiated construction of hydrogen fuelling stations.
After 2015, with lowered vehicle production costs and further developed hydrogen infrastructure, Hyundai will begin manufacturing hydrogen fuel cell vehicles for consumer retail sales.
Built with proprietary technology, Hyundai’s ix35 Fuel Cell is powered by hydrogen. A fuel cell stack converts the hydrogen into electricity, which turns the vehicle’s motor. The only emission generated by the ix35 Fuel Cell is water. Hyundai’s ix35 Fuel Cell boasts drivability and performance similar to that of the petrol ix35. The ix35 Fuel Cell can be refuelled in only a few minutes, accelerates from 0-100kph in 12.5 seconds, has a top speed of 160kph and can travel 594 kilometres on a single charge.
The ix35 Fuel Cell vehicle will be displayed at the 2013 Geneva motor show.