Hyundai Worldwide Global Navigation
Hyundai joins European fuel cell electric vehicle demonstration program, H2moves Scandinavia
Offenbach, 21 November 2011
Hyundai has joined ‘H2moves Scandinavia’, the first ‘Lighthouse Project’ of the European Commission-backed Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH JU), agreeing to demonstrate fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) technology in the northern European countries of Norway and Denmark. As part of the project, Hyundai will make available its ix35 FCEV for test drives in Oslo, Norway, this week, following the official opening today of a hydrogen refuelling station in the Norwegian capital.
At the official opening ceremony of the hydrogen refuelling station, Hyundai joined fellow H2moves Scandinavia project partners – including Daimler, H2 Logic, SINTEF, LBST and Hydrogen Sweden– in addressing attendees on the benefits and real-world viability of hydrogen technology. The focus of the H2moves Scandinavia project is to further increase public awareness of fuel cell technology and develop the infrastructure to support commercialization of fuel cell vehicles.
Following this week’s test drives in Oslo, two ix35 FCEVs will be available in Norway, operated by Zero and HyNor. These organizations will use the vehicles on a daily basis, providing driving experiences for public and policy makers for a better understanding of fuel cell technology. Another two ix35 FCEVs will be made available in Denmark, operated by Hydrogen Link and the Danish Partnership for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells. The harsh Nordic climate will provide an ideal environment for testing the suitability of hydrogen-powered vehicles in adverse weather conditions – the ix35 FCEV can reliably start in temperatures as low as minus 25 degrees Celsius.
The ix35 FCEV is also equipped with a 100 kW (136 hp) fuel cell stack and two hydrogen storage tanks with a total capacity of 5,64 kg, enabling the vehicle to travel a total of 525 km (NEDC mode) on a single charge, emitting only pure water. Maximum speed is 160 kph.
Allan Rushforth, Senior Vice President and COO of Hyundai Motor Europe, said: “Hyundai is committed to exploring a number of alternative energy solutions that will contribute to a sustainable future for the auto industry. We believe hydrogen-powered vehicles will have an important role to play, so we are delighted to partner with like-minded organisations on the H2moves Scandinavia project. Test drives of the ix35 FCEV will provide valuable feedback from ordinary motorists on real-world driving impressions of FCEVs.”
“Another important consideration is the establishment of an infrastructure which supports ownership of fuel cell vehicles. The state-of-the-art refuelling station in Oslo will serve as a benchmark for the industry,” Allan Rushforth added.
The new refuelling station complies with the latest international hydrogen refuelling standards, ensuring a safe and fast refuelling that, for the ix35 FCEV, takes approximately three minutes.
The ix35 FCEV is based on the award-winning ix35 compact SUV – a car designed, engineered and manufactured at Hyundai’s facilities in Europe specifically for European motorists.
-Ends-
.jpg)
