Hyundai Tucson ix FCEV Revealed in the US

Hyundai's Tucson ix FCEV (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle) has just made its official US debut at the Fuel Cell & Hydrogen Energy 2011 in Washington, DC and will remain on display until February 16. The car is equipped with a 100-kilowatt fuel cell system and two hydrogen storage cylinders of 700 bars, which means it could travel for as much as 400 miles with a single fueling.

The South Korean manufacturer says this is a 76 percent improvement over its predecessor and almost the same performances as a gasoline-powered car. Furthermore, the new hydrogen version is able to start in temperatures as low as minus 25 degrees Celsius, Hyundai claims.

"We are excited to share the latest in Hyundai's fuel cell technology," said Dr. Tae Won Lim, Managing Director of Hyundai Motor Company's Fuel Cell Vehicle Group. "After several years of testing, we have identified ways to maximize fuel efficiency without compromising driving experience and powertrain range. We hope to continue this momentum in finding ways to better fuel cell technology and performance."

Hyundai will soon begin a comprehensive testing programme of 50 Tucson ix FCEVs as part of the second phase of the Korean Government Validation Program, with production to begin in limited numbers in 2012. Mass production of the vehicle is scheduled for 2015.

"The Tucson ix FCEV shows that Hyundai is taking a multi-faceted approach to improving fuel economy, developing hydrogen fuel cell vehicles along with its patented Blue Drive technology," said John Juriga, Powertrain Director at Hyundai Kia America Technical Center, Inc.