Automobile manufacturer Hyundai has offered an early glimpse of its next-generation fuel cell vehicle, ahead of the hydrogen-powered SUVs official launch early next year.
The near-production-ready prototype embodies Hyundais commitment to a new era for advanced eco-friendly vehicle development, offering impressive capabilities and futuristic design.
Hyundai announced that the yet-to-be-named model will be Hyundais second commercially produced hydrogen model, and uses the companys fourth generation of hydrogen fuel cell technology. The vehicle, its capabilities, and fuel cell technologies are an evolution of Hyundais global research, development, and real-world evaluation programs, engineered with expertise honed through the worlds first commercial production of a fuel cell vehicle in 2013.
The new fuel cell model was developed on four key pillars that focus on fuel cell system efficiency, performance (maximum output), durability, and tank storage density. By enhancing fuel cell performance, reducing hydrogen consumption, and optimising key components, the vehicles efficiency is greatly improved compared with its predecessor, the Tucson Fuel Cell.
It boasts an efficiency level of 60%, or a 9% increase from the Tucsons 55.3%, and targets a driving range of more than 580 km on a single charge based on Korean testing standards.
The new models maximum output is enhanced by 20%, boasting an impressive 163PS of power. Enhanced components such as MEA (membrane electrode assembly) and bipolar plates have helped to reduce production costs.
Lee Ki-sang, senior vice president of Hyundai Groups Eco Technology Centre, said: With exceptional efficiency, serene styling, and uncompromised performance, our next-generation fuel cell SUV is the true epitome of an eco-friendly vehicle of the future.
He added: Hyundai Motor will take the lead in developing and producing green energy vehicles that would ultimately complement a near-zero emission society.
The new model, introduced at the 2017 Geneva Auto Show, builds on the earlier concepts design, taking an organic and flowing form, inspired by nature namely water, the cars only emission with the clean design emphasising its non-polluting nature.
The new model will spearhead Hyundais plans to accelerate development of low emission vehicles, in line with Hyundai Motor Groups renewed goal of introducing 31 eco-friendly models across both the Hyundai and Kia brands to global markets by 2020.
Hyundai will reveal the new hydrogen SUV early next year in Korea, while the official name will be announced in January at the 2018 CES.