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

  • Road fatalities drink driving
    April 16, 2012
    The European Union is making serious moves to tackle road fatalities in a bid to cut Europe's road death rates to 25,000/year by 2010. So far, measures taken have had little effect, bringing the number down by just 18% to 41,000/year.
    Read More
  • Europe’s COVID escape route
    April 2, 2021
    The European Union’s COVID recovery budget and its NextGenerationEU programme are major opportunities for national, regional and local road authorities, says Jose Diez*.
    Read More
  • Call for SME exhibitors at Road Infrastructure Innovation Expo, Brussels
    April 2, 2013
    SMEs developing innovative solutions to improve road infrastructure now have until 12 April, 2013, to apply to exhibit free-of-charge at the first Road Infrastructure Innovation Expo being held in Brussels, Belgium, 4-6 June 2013. Due to the involvement of additional countries and the final constitution of the scientific committee for the Infravation programme, organisers have extended the exhibitor registration deadline. All research fields are welcome addressing the theme of Advanced and Innovative Constr
    Read More
  • Construction sector crucial to EU economy, says EC vice-president
    June 11, 2012
    European Commission (EC) vice-president Antonio Tajani said the performance of the continent’s construction sector had a “significant” bearing on the development of the whole European economy. “The competitiveness of construction companies is therefore an important issue not only for growth and employment in general, but also to ensure the sustainability of the sector,” added Tajani, who was speaking during the FIEC (European Construction Industry Federation) and EC organised ‘Construction Summit’ held duri
    Read More

Highlighted Content