1.10.2012 Hyundai confirms ix35 fuel cell production

Hyundai has announced that it will begin production of its hydrogen ix35 Fuel Cell vehicle for public and private lease by the end of 2012, becoming the first global automaker to begin commercial rollout of a fuel cell vehicle.

In December 2012, Hyundai will begin production of the ix35 Fuel Cell at its Ulsan manufacturing facility in Korea, with a target of building up to 1,000 vehicles by 2015.

Hyundai has already signed contracts with cities in Denmark and Sweden to lease the ix35 Fuel Cell to municipal fleets. Beyond 2015, Hyundai plans limited mass production of the ix35 Fuel Cell, with a goal of 10,000 units.

"The ix35 Fuel Cell is the pinnacle of Hyundai's advanced engineering and our most powerful commitment to be the industry leader in eco-friendly mobility," said Vice Chairman Woong Chul Yang, head of Hyundai R&D. "Zero-emissions cars are no longer a dream. Our ix35 Fuel Cell vehicle is here today, and ready for commercial use."

Built with proprietary technology, Hyundai's ix35 Fuel Cell is powered by hydrogen. A fuel cell stack converts the hydrogen into electricity, which in turn charges the Lithium Polymer battery that powers the vehicle's electric motor. The only emission generated by the ix35 Fuel Cell is water vapour, making it the halo of Hyundai's Blue Drive sub-brand.

Hyundai's ix35 Fuel Cell boasts drivability and performance similar to that of the petrol ix35. A hydrogen fuel cell car can be filled in only a few minutes. The ix35 Fuell Cell car accelerates from zero to 62 mph in 12.5 seconds, has a top speed of 100 mph and can travel 365 miles without refuelling – eliminating "range anxiety" often associated with alternative-fuel vehicles.

Hyundai is encouraged by the actions of several governments, especially in Europe, that have created detailed roadmaps for building a hydrogen infrastructure and are providing necessary funds. Hydrogen fuelling stations exist in several European nations and additional ones are being built and planned. Expansion of fuelling stations is also anticipated in Korea and California, and Hyundai will supply its ix35 Fuel Cell to public and private fleets there, as well.

As a true zero-emissions vehicle, the Hyundai ix35 Fuel Cell is a powerful partner for public and private fleets that want to eliminate carbon emissions. The ix35 Fuel Cell is the result of 14 years and significant financial investment in research and development by hundreds of engineers at Hyundai.

The car has logged more than 2 million miles of road tests in real-world conditions in Europe, Korea and the US. In early 2012, a Hyundai ix35 Fuel Cell set a range record for hydrogen cars by driving from Oslo to Monaco using only existing fuelling stations.

Newspress