EU officials testing fuel-cell Hyundai

The Hyundai ix35 fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) has been selected by the European Commission-backed Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH JU) to be used as a demonstration vehicle to test and promote hydrogen fuel cell technology in a real-world environment.As part of the announcement made yesterday at the FCH JU-organised "Joint Technology Initiatives:
May 4, 2012 Read time: 2 mins

The 236 Hyundai ix35 fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) has been selected by the 2465 European Commission-backed Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH JU) to be used as a demonstration vehicle to test and promote hydrogen fuel cell technology in a real-world environment.

As part of the announcement made yesterday 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 features important innovations over previous-generation Hyundai FCEVs, including a 55 per cent improvement in driving range and an 80 per cent reduction in manufacturing costs.

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 host of the exhibition Joint Technology Initiatives, 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.”

The ix35 FCEV is based on the award-winning compact SUV, ix35 which was designed and engineered in Europe for European motorists.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • The acronym syndrome
    July 31, 2012
    Those who navigate the labyrinth that is the European Union and the numerous trade and research groups will be struck by the number of acronyms. In a short series, EUROFILE gives a snapshot of those engaged in the roads industry. In this issue we look at FEHRL (Forum of European National Highway Research Laboratories) based in Brussels, Belgium Established in 1989, FEHRL is made up directors of national research institutes: 30 in all from within the European Union, European Free Trade Association (EFTA) an
    Read More
  • ERF gains membership in the CCAM Single Platform
    December 12, 2019
    The ERF has been appointed as a member of the CCAM Single Platform (Cooperative, Connected, Automated and Autonomous Mobility), explains Christophe Nicodème* of the ERF
    Read More
  • FEHRL and CEDR pledge more road research cooperation
    February 10, 2015
    The Forum of European National Highway Research Laboratories (FEHRL) and the Conference of European Directors of Roads (CEDR) have pledged to increase cooperation on road research. A memorandum of understanding to cement the cooperation was signed during a one-day event that featured speakers from national members of FEHRL and CEDR. Stefan Strick, president of FEHRL and also of the German Federal Highway Research Institute, signed the memorandum alongside CEDR president Simon Grima, who is also chief office
    Read More
  • CECE Summit – is Europe ready for a digital construction worksite?
    November 20, 2015
    The CECE has voiced his concern over government regulations that could strangle innovation for the digitalisation of construction machinery. China’s imploding economy was another topic at the recent conference in Brussels, reports David Arminas. The CECE has urged the European Parliament and European Commission to enact legislation that promotes rather than hinders the construction sector’s transition to a digitalised way of working. “We need a smart regulatory framework that helps to unlock the full poten
    Read More

Highlighted Content