Hyundai set to launch hydrogen ix35

Korean firm Hyundai has announced that they will become the world’s first auto company to action the global production of a zero emissions vehicle, the hydrogen ix35. They have already snapped up contracts with local councils across Denmark and Sweden to lease the cars and aim to have 1000 vehicles operating by 2015.

Production of the ix35 fuel cell started in December 2012 from the firm’s factory in Ulsan. “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 Woong Chul Yang, head of Hyundai RandD.

Hyundai’s vision for becoming the leading eco-friendly automobile firm is clear as they look to distribute 10,000 units of the ix35 beyond 2015. This might seem a limited amount but it’s by far one of the biggest eco-friendly unit commitments to date.

Hyundai has patented hydrogen technology which will continue to be developed into the new ix35 fuel cell. Put simply, the cell converts hydrogen into electricity which in turn, powers the motor.

The power and speed of the hydrogen refuelling system means that the car can reach 100km/h in just twelve and a half seconds with a max speed of 160km/h with a range of 588km.

Those who have had the pleasure of driving the vehicle have so far said that there is very little difference in performance when compared to its petrol engine sister.

The ix35 represents around 15 years of research and development from Hyundai’s engineering centre in Mabuk, Korea. Currently test vehicles have car have registered more than 3.2 million km of road testing in Europe, Korea and the US.

The estimated cost of buying the vehicle is currently undisclosed by the Hyundai, as are the European rental contracts. However the cost of running the ix35 is around £8.50 over 100km with a full recharge of hydrogen costing around £50.00.

The ix35 proved its worth in 2012 when the vehicle was tested with a drive from Oslo to Monaco, travelling through Denmark, Germany and France over 5 days. The car set a world record drive for a hydrogen powered vehicle and even more impressive is the fact that refuels only took place via existing fuel stations over the 2260km travelled.