Hyundai ix35 to demonstrate benefits of hydrogen fuel cell technology
The European Commission-backed Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH JU) has once again selected the Hyundai ix35 Fuel Cell to demonstrate to the world the many benefits of hydrogen fuel cell technology.
As a result of this announcement, members of the European Parliament, European Commission officials and other policymakers will be able to take the world’s first road-ready fuel cell electric vehicle for test drives around Brussels, Belgium, throughout 2013.
It is the second consecutive time that the FCH JU has chosen Hyundai Motor as the company to demonstrate the advantages of progressing forward with hydrogen fuel cell technology.
Back in October 2011, the South Korean car manufacturer was awarded its first leasing contract for a hydrogen-powered fuel cell car by the FCH JU.
During the course of this initial partnership, European Union decision-makers and stakeholders were able to experience the Hyundai ix35 Fuel Cell vehicles for themselves, while members of the public could also take part in demonstration drives and public events when the vehicle was present in Brussels and other locations across Europe.
Commenting on the new deal, BK Rimsaid, the president of Hyundai Motor Europe, noted: “We are delighted that the FCH JU has chosen the ix35 Fuel Cell as its European demonstration vehicle and look forward to working with them to promote the benefits of hydrogen and fuel cell technology.
“We are sure that the leading policymakers and opinion-formers who drive this remarkable vehicle will find its ability to deliver performance and comfort without compromising its eco-friendly nature with tailpipe emissions highly compelling.”
There are plenty of eye-catching details about the Hyundai ix35 Fuel Cell, such as the fact that it can accelerate from 0-62mph in 12.5 seconds, reach a top speed of around 100mph and the ability to travel for an estimated 369 miles on a single tank.
Hyundai is hopeful that it can now push forward to build 1,000 examples of the ix35 Fuel Cell vehicle by 2015, primarily for the use of public and private fleets.
Posted by Sebastian Turkenburg