EU officials to test fuel-celled Hyundai ix35
The European Commission-backed Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH JU) has recently gotten hold of several fuel cell-powered Hyundai ix35 (Tucson) demo vehicles for test driving by Members of European Parliament, Commissioners, EU officials, and other policymakers until March 2012.
According to a press release by Hyundai, this development ‘moves Hyundai a step closer to the commercialization of hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles by 2015. Introduced at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, the ix35 FCEV features 55% increased driving range and 80% lower manufacturing costs than Hyundai’s previous-generation FCEVs.
Maria da Graça Carvalho MEP, Member of the Industry Committee and representative of the FCH-JU, 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.”
Since introducing the Santa Fe FCEV in 2000, Hyundai has maintained a dedicated fuel cell research division at its Eco Technology Research Institute in South Korea. Earlier this year, the company signed a memorandum of understanding with the municipality of Copenhagento in Denmark to setup the necessary infrastructure to support the use of FCEVs there.
Chang Kyun Han, President of Hyundai Motor Europe, added: ‘We are delighted that the Hyundai ix35 FCEV has been chosen by the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking as its European demonstration vehicle. We fully support efforts by the FCH JU to promote the benefits of hydrogen and fuel cell technology to leading policymakers and opinion-formers. The announcement today complements the work we have already undertaken with other government bodies around Europe, and by 2012 we hope to operate more than 30 Hyundai ix35 FCEVs across the continent.”
KON
Pictures: Official Hyundai release.
