What's the news?
The Hyundai ix35 fuel cell, the first full production hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, is to begin developing the UK's capital into a fuel cell-friendly city in the very near future. Five of these models will take part in the London Hydrogen Network Expansion (LHNE) project, eventually aiming to produce hydrogen filling stations throughout the entire of London and south-east England.
Hyundai is currently committed to building 1,000 fuel cell ix35 models by 2015, with the initial five heading for leasing contracts in both the private and commercial sector. The remaining 995 examples will be largely distributed in Europe under the European Commission-backed Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH JU) initiative.
On paper, it seems that the ix35 may be a real-world alternative to the current fuel burners. The model can manage a range of almost 370 miles per tank, and refuelling takes two to three minutes. Accelerating from 0-62mph takes a respectable 12.5 seconds and it runs out of puff at 100mph. However, unlike conventional motors, the ix35 emits only water out of its exhaust.
There are currently two hydrogen filling stations in London, with a further four set to open by 2015. By then, the number of fuel cell vehicles has been predicted to rise from five to 150; encompassing cars, scooters and buses.
"I am tremendously excited by the prospects of London's hydrogen future," comments Kit Malthouse, London Deputy Mayor for Business and Enterprise and Chairman of the London Hydrogen Partnership. "Battery electric vehicles are great but there is a lot of consumer resistance to them due to range and recharging times. Hydrogen cracks all these problems."
Anything else?
The Hyundai ix35s will join London's existing fleet of hydrogen powered taxis and buses that have been operating in the capital since 2011.
James Giddings - 18 Jul 2013