Hyundai rolls off zero-emission hydrogen-powered vehicles

Hyundai has become the world’s first automaker to begin assembly line production of zero-emission and hydrogen-powered vehicles for fleet use.

The ix35 Fuel Cell vehicle, based on Hyundai’s popular ix35, C-segment SUV (Tucson in some markets), exited the assembly line at Hyundai Motor’s Plant No. 5 in Ulsan during a launch event attended by Hyundai top management and VIPs.

- With the ix35 Fuel Cell vehicle, Hyundai is leading the way into the zero-emission future - said Hyundai Motor vice-chairman Eok Jo Kim at a ceremony recently.

He said the ix35 Fuel Cell is the most eco-friendly vehicle in the auto industry and proves that hydrogen fuel cell technology in daily driving is no longer a dream.

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.

The strategy of leading automakers in Europe and the US is to supply hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and establish refuelling stations in order to prepare the market for mass production of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.

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 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.