Hyundai reveals next-gen fuel-cell SUV

Hyundai has revealed an all-new hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicle (FCEV) to replace its pioneering ix35 Fuel Cell, as part of a low-emission vehicle rollout that will include all-electric Kona and Genesis models.

Unveiled at the South Korean auto giant’s Seoul HQ this morning, the as-yet-unnamed but “near-production” FCEV is once again an SUV, but this time a bespoke model not based on an existing vehicle.

Interestingly, two left-hand drive prototypes were in Australia last month for cold-weather testing, with a team of Hyundai engineers from Korea here to validate the car’s systems in the Snowy Mountains as part of a global testing and durability program (pictured).

Hyundai has already confirmed it will release its new FECV globally in early 2018, shortly after which its Australian arm will supply 20 examples of the new model to the ACT Government in late 2018 as part of the Hornsdale Windfarm Stage 3 project.

Hyundai Australia is expecting further such fleet lease deals but is yet to confirm public sales of the ground-breaking model, which will offer a dramatic increase in driving range, to more than 800km.

Despite this, hydrogen refuelling infrastructure remains the biggest hurdle for FCEVs in Australia, where Hyundai was the first to install a permanent refueller, at its Sydney HQ in 2015. Since then Toyota has established a mobile hydrogen refueller, to service three Mirai FCEVs it continues to test here.

Hyundai says its new FCEV will accelerate its rollout of green vehicles – including the three-model IONIQ range of electric vehicles due here early next year -- as part of its “new eco-vehicle development roadmap”.

This roadmap commits Hyundai and Kia to releasing 31 “eco-friendly models” to global markets by 2020.

Most notably, it said these will include a pure-electric version of Hyundai’s upcoming Kona compact SUV with a range of 390km by mid-2018, a Genesis EV in 2021 and a long-range EV offering more than 500km between recharges post-2021.

“Spurred on by greater global demand for fuel-efficient, eco-friendly vehicles, the roadmap sets out the brand’s goal of leading the global popularization of hybrid vehicles, expanding its lineup to SUVs and large vehicles,” said Hyundai.

“Another part of the plan is the development of 4WD and FR (Front Engine Rear Wheel Drive) variants, building on its proprietary Transmission-Mounted Electrical Device (TMED) system, which was developed in 2011.”

Hyundai, which says it will develop its first dedicated EV architecture, which will allow the company to produce multiple models with longer driving ranges.

However, hydrogen fuel cell technology will remain at the core of Hyundai’s EV plan, which includes the release of a new hydrogen-powered bus in the fourth quarter of this year however.

Hyundai says that through years of development and production dating back to 1998, it has already proved that fuel cell vehicles are as competitive as internal combustion engine cars in terms of safety and reliability.

Wrapped in a unique exterior, Hyundai’s fourth-generation fuel-cell technology brings improved range, performance and, it’s claimed, durability.

Hyundai, which introduced the world’s first commercial production FCEV in 2013, says the system was developed around four key pillars: efficiency, performance/output, durability and tank storage density.

Efficiency was enhanced reducing hydrogen consumption and now stands at 60 per cent – nine per cent up on the ix35 Fuel Cell – and maximum output is claimed to be up by 20 per cent, to 120kW.

Hyundai says the fuel cell SUV also brings improved cold-start capability, overcoming the challenges of starting fuel cell vehicles in temperatures below freezing point.

Apart from higher performance and lower consumption, Hyundai’s new fuel stack is claimed to be cheaper to produce thanks to upgraded components including the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) and bipolar plates, while longevity is said to have improved by employing highly durable catalyst technology.

Significant improvements in hydrogen storage density are also claimed, the tank package now featuring three equally-sized tanks, as opposed to two of different sizes.

“World-class tank gravimetric capacity (hydrogen storage mass per tank weight) was achieved through innovations to the plastic liner configuration and efficient layering pattern, which resulted in a reduction of thickness,” said Hyundai.

“With exceptional efficiency, serene styling, and uncompromised performance, our next generation fuel cell SUV is the true epitome of an eco-friendly vehicle of the future,” said Lee Ki-sang, Senior Vice President of Hyundai Motor Group’s Eco Technology Center.

“Hyundai Motor will take lead in developing and producing green energy vehicles that would ultimately complement a near-zero emission society.”

Hyundai, which currently sells the ix35 Fuel Cell in 18 countries, will release its new SUV FCEV early next year in Korea, followed by the North American and European markets.

“The company will also consider expanding availability of its new fuel cell model to markets with high growth potential for eco-friendly vehicles such as China,” it said.