The first Hyundai hydrogen fuel cell cars reach the UK

21/10/2014 14:30 Share

The world's first series-production hydrogen-fuelled cars have now arrived in the UK.

These are Hyundai ix35 Fuel Cell cars, which make Hyundai the first car manufacturer to supply zero-emission vehicles to paying customers in the UK.

The arrival of ix35 Fuel Cell vehicles comes just days after Business Minister Matthew Hancock announced £11 million of UK government and industry funding to support hydrogen transport. This continued investment in the sector through 2015 will expand the nationwide hydrogen refuelling station network, with the aim of boosting consumer confidence and increasing uptake of fuel cell vehicles.

President and CEO of Hyundai Motor UK Tony Whitehorn said: "Making the first UK customer deliveries of hydrogen-powered cars is a huge landmark for the industry. Hyundai is the first company in the world to start series-production of a fuel cell vehicle and is committed to rolling-out this technology in line with government plans to grow the refuelling infrastructure."

Among the first to enjoy operating the pioneering vehicles on UK roads are organisations including Transport for London.

The Deputy Mayor of London for business and enterprise Kit Malthouse said: "I firmly believe that hydrogen fuel cell technology will eventually replace the internal combustion engine but we have to show the public the vehicles, let them kick the tyres and demonstrate that it is more than just a science fiction story, it works and can be used in a very similar manner to the cars they are used to.

"That is why these new vehicles are so important, it is about putting the technology on the street and taking the first steps towards a viable hydrogen future both in London and nationwide."

With no harmful tailpipe emissions, ix35 Fuel Cell can travel more than 350 miles in real-world driving conditions before refuelling, which is a quick and easy process similar to refuelling a petrol or diesel vehicle.

by: Rebecca Chaplin