Hyundai breaks through on fuel cell technology

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Hyundai’s Tucson Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle on display at the Eco-Technology Research Institute in Seoul, South Korea.

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A first hand look a Hyundai’s advanced Hydrogen powered engine

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Hyundai introduced Germany to hydrogen fuel at the recent FIFA World Cup in Germany

21 June 2006
Immediate Release

Hyundai breaks through on fuel cell technology

The latest vehicle powered by fuel cell technology from Hyundai represents a break through for the technology. The Tucson exceeds its manufacturer’s expectations in range, compactness and ability to operate in sub-zero temperatures.

The second generation Tucson combines 80kW of hydrogen fuel cell power with lithium-polymer battery technology. Its development continues the alternative power development Hyundai embarked on only five years ago.

The giant Korean car maker began its foray into hydrogen fuel cell technology with a Santa Fe back in 2000, powered by compressed hydrogen.

Now combining with the latest in battery technology, Hyundai is confident the technology will be mass-produced by 2010, with production peaking from 2020 as existing hybrid technology reaches its twilight.

Forecasts put the cost of driving a conventional petrol powered vehicle in 2010 at US44c a mile, compared to US6c a mile for a fuel cell powered vehicle.

Furthermore, emissions from Hydrogen fuelled vehicles consist of water and no environmentally harmful emissions that come from conventional petrol powered vehicles, including hybrids.

The latest fuel cell Tucson features technology that has been improved upon, and leaves some competitors behind, said Hyundai New Zealand Managing Director, Philip Eustace.

“The excellent range of 300km and the ability to go into very cold conditions are features many competitors have not yet been able to crack,” he said.

The vehicle features a 150 litre hydrogen tank and a 152 volt battery that helps produce 80 kW of power and achieve a speed of up to 150 kph.

Hyundai is actively promoting fuel cell development in the United States with 32 vehicles participating in a scheme with a US$364 million budget.

Football fans at the recent FIFA World Cup in Germany may have had their first experience with hydrogen fuel cells by travelling on Hyundai’s fuel cell bus. The distinctive blue machine is powered by a fuel cell stack delivering 160 kW of power, plus another 240 kW coming from the motor.

Meantime the Korean giant aims to release a hybrid version of its Accent model by the end of the year. Combining a 12 kW electric motor with a 1.4 litre engine the car is claimed to achieve 4.8 litres per 100 kilometres.

“Hyundai is dedicated to continually improving the environmental friendliness of its vehicles, and we are excited about both these prospects in years to come,” said Mr Eustace.

ENDS

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