Local Australian Government Orders 20 Hyundai FCEVs

Hyundai Australia wins an order to provide 20 next-generation Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles to the Australian Capital Territory government in 2018 – the country’s first-ever order for hydrogen-powered cars.

The cars will be used as part of the Renewable Transport Fuels Test Berth in Canberra.

The A$23 million ($17.3 million) test berth project aims to have the capacity to provide fuel-grade hydrogen for more than 1,000 FCEVs traveling an average 8,750 miles (14,000 km) a year.

The project is being conducted by French renewable-energy company Neoen, investors Megawatt Capital and electrification specialist Siemens, through a contract with the territorial government and wind-farm company Hornsdale Windfarm Stage 3.

Hornsdale will provide renewably sourced electricity to the test berth, which features a Siemens hydrogen refueler that will provide the fuel-grade hydrogen.

Hyundai says the cars it will supply will be next-generation FCEVs. The advanced zero-emissions car, due for launch in 2018, will replace the current ix35 Fuel Cell, the world’s first mass-produced hydrogen-powered vehicle.

The automaker says in most aspects of its performance – including acceleration, range, safety and practicality – the ix35 Fuel Cell is much like any other family SUV.

Hyundai Australia was the first car company in Australia to fully import a hydrogen-powered vehicle into the country – an ix35 Fuel Cell in 2015 – and the first to install a hydrogen refueler for light vehicles in Australia.

CEO Charlie Kim says it remains the country’s only operational hydrogen refueler, and is located at Hyundai’s Australian headquarters in Sydney.

“We hope this brilliant project inspires others to see the potential of hydrogen as a future fuel for our cars. This first small step toward a zero-emissions transport solution for Australia is very significant and we are proud to be involved.”