Hyundai celebrates world's first series production of Zero-Emission Hydrogen Fuel Cell vehicles

The white Hyundai ix35 that you see in this post created history on 26th of February, 2013 when it became the first series-produced fuel cell automobile in the world. Plant 5 in Hyundai's Ulsan manufacturing complex in South Korea was the venue of this landmark achievement that was attended by the company's top management and VIPs. With this, Hyundai is trying to prove the point that fuel cell vehicles are not far off from everyday usage. Though there are quite a few manufacturers working on this technology that's proving to be a great alternative to pure electric vehicles, this move from Hyundai is a giant stride in the world of Zero-Emission vehicles.

Expressing his thoughts at the event, Hyundai Motor Vice Chairman Eok Jo Kim said, “With the ix35 Fuel Cell vehicle, Hyundai is leading the way into the zero-emissions future. The ix35 Fuel Cell is the most eco-friendly vehicle in the auto industry and proves that hydrogen fuel cell technology in daily driving is no longer a dream.”

Between now and 2015, Hyundai plans to build around 1000 units of the ix35 Fuel Cell for lease to public and private fleets. Most of these would primarily be in Europe, as European Union has established a hydrogen road map and initiated construction of hydrogen fueling stations. After 2015, with lowered production costs and a further-developed hydrogen infrastructure, the company will begin manufacturing hydrogen fuel cell vehicles for retail sales as well. With this, Hyundai has achieved its openly-stated claim of being a global leader in the hydrogen fuel cell race.

The ix35 Fuel Cell is a result of over 14 years and many hundred million Euros of research and development by hundreds of engineers at Hyundai's Fuel Cell R&D Center in Mabuk, Korea. Boasting proprietary technology underneath, the ix35 Fuel Cell is powered by hydrogen. A fuel cell stack converts this hydrogen into electricity, which turns the vehicle’s motor. The only emission generated by the ix35 Fuel Cell is "water", making it a true 'Zero-Emission' vehicle that doesn't draw grid power which could have been generated by polluting means.

Not only did the modularization of fuel cell stack, driving device and inverter helped Hyundai downsize the engine to match that of a gasoline engine, the company also claims that the ix35 Fuel Cell has drive-ability and performance similar to that of it's petrol sibling. With a 0 to 100 km/h acceleration time of 12.5 seconds, a top speed of 160 km/h and a single-charge range of 594 km, we don't dispute Hyundai's claim at all.

If only the top honchos here could get a hint from this and start developing infrastructure for a cleaner, greener and meaner India, we could also get a chance to drive cars like this. Until then, all we can do, even if interested, is check out the ix35 Fuel Cell in person at the upcoming 2013 Geneva Motor Show.