All-new Hyundai fuel cell SUV confirmed for 2018 ~ station of gear

Hyundai confirms new hydrogen model at CES with a debut planned for the Geneva Motor Show

2017-01-05 02:15

Hyundai has confirmed it will launch a new fuel cell vehicle for 2018 – and we are set to get our first sight of it at the Geneva Motor Show.

Executive vice president Seung Ho Hwang announced the news at a press conference in Las Vegas where the company has been demonstrating the prowess of its autonomous Ioniq.

Mr Hwang confirmed the new model will be an SUV, and in contrast to the strategy the firm has followed with its current offering, the ix35, the next-generation fuel cell car will be built on an all-new platform and feature unique styling.

It is also set to be lighter than the current model, with a significantly longer range and a lower price.

Speaking exclusively to Auto Express, Tae Won Lim, senior vice president, Central Advanced Research and Engineering Institute, said: ““Our target is to develop a cheaper, more durable, more reliable and more efficient system. It will be an all-new platform, special design and easy to assemble.”

The current ix35 fuel cell weighs in at a chunky 1,830kg, while its £53,000 price tag has been a sticking point for all but the most fervent early adopters.

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Explaining the thinking behind the new platform, Mr Lim continued: “We started our fuel cell development on our current platform but based on our experience, in order to have maximum benefit from fuel cell maybe we need a designated platform.

“We are doing our best efforts to reduce the material cost and that is the main target of our development.”

Mr Lim added that he was confident the company could achieve a much longer range than on the current car, with improvements of around 30 per cent feasible.

He said: “I do not have the exact number yet but the current fuel cell does distances of about 300 miles. Our next version will be much longer than 300.” Insiders have indicated to Auto Express that it could even reach 650km (403 miles).

And he added: “For longer driving distances you should use lighter materials or a smaller car. But with fuel cell we are free from distance anxiety. With a fuel cell system we can develop a bigger one [car].”

The model is likely to come with an array of hi-tech features, including, according to Mr Hwang, a new Driver Defence system from the company. It will take the fight to Toyota’s Mirai and Honda’s Clarity fuel cell offerings.

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And although the debate rages on as to whether fuel cell will ever be a viable eco solution in the long term with the rise of EVs, Mr Lim said Hyundai was very firmly backing the tech.

He concluded: “For Hyundai, the fuel cell system is like a first child. It is very much a propriety technology and that is why we like to put our effort and love into fuel cell vehicles.”

What do you think of fuel cell vehicles? Will you be tempted by the new Hyundai model?

Graham Hope

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