Hyundai received the Technology Award for the ix35 Fuel Cell at this year’s Fleet World Honours which took place this afternoon at the prestigious Royal Automobile Club in London.
The award, which was shared with the Renault Zoe, is recognition of Hyundai’s commitment to bringing the ix35 Fuel Cell vehicle to series production ahead of 2015.
Fleet World Editor, Steve Moody, said: “For many years now, the commercialisation of hydrogen cars has seemed to be a long way in the future. But Hyundai’s commitment to the production of the ix35 Fuel Cell has brought the reality a step closer. This bold and exciting move deserves recognition for the commitment the company is making to zero emission motoring.”
Martin Wilson, fleet director, Hyundai Motor UK says: “Hyundai is honoured to have been recognised by the Fleet World judges with this award. The Company is committed to being a leader in sustainable mobility and we’re not just talking about the future − we are shaping it with the production of the ix35 Fuel Cell.”
Hyundai plans to manufacture 1,000 units of the hydrogen-powered ix35 Fuel Cell vehicles by 2015, targeted predominantly at public sector and private fleets, with limited mass production of 10,000 units beyond 2015.
Hyundai has also recently joined the London Hydrogen Partnership (LHP) where it will provide its expertise to help to drive development of the infrastructure needed to realise a hydrogen economy.
Hyundai’s ix35 Fuel Cell represents one of the most advanced vehicles of this type. It is equipped with a 100 kW (136 hp) electric motor, allowing it to reach a maximum speed of 160 km/h. Two hydrogen storage tanks, with a total capacity of 5.64 kg, enable the vehicle to travel a total of 594 km on a single fill, and it can reliably start in temperatures as low as minus 20 degrees Celsius.
The energy is stored in a 24 kW lithium-ion polymer battery, jointly developed with LG Chemical.
The Fleet World Honours are presented annually to those motor manufacturers, service companies and individuals who have, in the opinion of the judges, achieved the highest possible level of excellence in their sector.
The judging process combines the expert opinion of the Fleet World editorial team with the values provided by a number of leading leasing companies and fleet data providers.
