Hyundai First With FCV in U.K.
The arrival of the first ix35 models comes just after £11 million in U.K. government and industry funding is earmarked to expand the nationwide hydrogen refueling station network and increase the uptake of fuel-cell vehicles.
Hyundai becomes the first automaker to supply production hydrogen-fueled cars to paying customers in the U.K. as the initial ix35 fuel cell vehicles hit the market, continuing the South Korean automaker’s global rollout of the zero-emission model.
The arrival of the first ix35 models comes just after Business Minister Matthew Hancock announces £11 million ($17.7 million) in U.K. government and industry funding through 2015 to expand the nationwide hydrogen refueling station network, boost consumer confidence and increase the uptake of fuel-cell vehicles.
The aim is to establish an initial network of up to 15 hydrogen refueling stations by the end of 2015.
Hyundai U.K. President and CEO Tony Whitehorn calls the arrival of the first fuel-cell vehicles a 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 refueling infrastructure,” Whitehorn says in a statement.
The first vehicles are being delivered to organizations, including Air Products, ITM Power, Johnson Matthey and Transport for London.
U.K. consumers order ix35 Fuel Cell vehicles from Hyundai U.K. directly and the company says it will begin deliveries in early 2015.
London Deputy Mayor Kit Malthouse says he believes hydrogen-fuel-cell technology eventually will replace the internal combustion engine.
“But we have to show the public the vehicles, let them kick the tires 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,” Malthouse says.
“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.”
Hyundai is involved in a number of projects promoting the adoption of fuel-cell vehicles in the U.K., including London's Hydrogen Network Expansion (LHNE) and Hydrogen For Innovative Vehicles (HyFIVE).
It is also a participant in the UKH2 Mobility project that is playing a key role in advising the government.
The ix35 Fuel Cell can travel 370 miles (600 km) in real-world driving conditions before refueling.
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