As part of the announcement made this week at the FCH JU organised “Joint Technology Initiatives: Innovation in Action” exhibition in Brussels, the ix35 FCEV will be made available for Members of European Parliament, Commissioners, EU officials and other policymakers to test drive until March 2012.
The decision moves Hyundai a step closer to the commercialisation of hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicles by 2015. Debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in 2010, the ix35 FCEV features important innovations over previous-generation Hyundai FCEVs, including a 55 percent improvement in driving range and an 80 percent reduction in manufacturing costs.
Since the introduction of the Santa Fe FCEV in 2000, Hyundai has become a world leader in the development of hydrogen fuel-cell technology, operating a dedicated fuel cell research division at its Eco Technology Research Institute in South Korea.
Earlier this year, Hyundai signed a memorandum of understanding with the municipality of Copenhagen to establish the necessary infrastructure for the supply and use of FCEVs in Denmark.
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.”
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-leaders. The announcement complements the work we have already undertaken with other government bodies around Europe and by2012 we hope to operate more than 30 Hyundai ix35 FCEVs across the continent.”
They are around $400,000 in the USA. Australia is one of the most expensive countries in the world to buy a car, and most other consumables for that matter.
Hyundai has come a long way since they were first introduced over here in the States. I remembered we thought they were a joke at first, but they persevered, and now look at them! They actually have a good product at a good price.