Hyundai has showcased a hydrogen-powered ix35 crossover set to go in to limited production and available for public and private lease by the end of 2012. By 2015 the company is aiming to produce up to 1,000 examples, with a goal of 10,000 beyond 2015.
The ix35 Fuel Cell uses an electric motor, essentially fuelled by hydrogen, which can accelerate the SUV from 0-62mph in 12.5 seconds. The top speed is 100mph, while it can manage 365 miles on a single tank. Buyers can fill up with hydrogen from any specially outfitted station. The only emission from the exhaust is water vapour.
The newcomer has its very own version of a stop/start system, which shuts off the fuel cell while the car is stationary. Hyundai has also fitted brake energy regeneration to charge the batteries and has managed to create a system that uses normal air, rather than compressed air to supply the fuel cell. This apparently reduces power consumption by 50 per cent.
The hi-tech ix35 is differentiated from the rest of the range with a new, single-piece grille and a blue-tinged Hyundai badge.
“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 Vice Chairman Woong Chul Yang, head of Hyundai R&D.
For an alternative review of the latest Hyundai ix35 4x4 visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk
