Hyundai to launch zero emission ix35

Hyundai to launch zero emission ix35

Hyundai has revealed it has begun series production of its hydrogen ix35 Fuel Cell vehicle, becoming the first global manufacturer to initiate commercial rollout of zero-emissions cars.

The vehicles will be manufactured at the Ulsan manufacturing facility in Korea, with a target of building up to 1,000 models by 2015.

The South Korean manufacturer has already signed contracts with cities in Denmark and Sweden to lease the ix35 Fuel Cell to municipal fleets and is planning limited mass production of the ix35 Fuel Cell after 2015, with a goal of 10,000 units.

Vice-chairman Woong Chul Yang, head of Hyundai research and development, said the new car is the "pinnacle" of the company's advanced engineering techniques and will provide buyers with a truly eco-friendly option.

"It is our most powerful commitment to be the industry leader in eco-friendly mobility. Zero-emissions cars are no longer a dream. Our ix35 Fuel Cell vehicle is here today, and ready for commercial use," he added.

The car itself is built with proprietary technology and powered by hydrogen, with a fuel cell stack that converts the hydrogen into electricity and in turn charges the Lithium Polymer battery powering the vehicle's electric motor, meaning the only emission generated by the ix35 Fuel Cell is water vapour.

Posted by Sebastien Turkenburg