There has been plenty of talk about fuel cell vehicles from various automakers – but the vast majority are not planned for production for so long that many naysayers may question their validity. That however, cannot be said about Hyundai – which plans to introduce a fuel cell car later this year.
In December, Hyundai will start production of the ix35 fuel cell crossover vehicle (pictured) in Korea – targeting production of 1,000 vehicles by 2015. 
The carmaker has already signed agreements with cities in both Sweden and Denmark to lease the vehicle to municipal fleets. In addition, Hyundai is planning a limited mass production of around 10,000 vehicles and will introduce the vehicle in both Korea and California.
Both fuel economy and range of the Hyundai ix35 fuel cell have been boosted by 10 per cent compared to the previous model – while the vehicle is said to boast a power density in excess of 640W/l.
Whereas most fuel cell vehicles use compressed air to deliver the oxygen to the fuel cell stack, the Hyundai ix35 relies on ambient air. This helps to reduce parasitic losses while also raising fuel efficiency and reducing power consumption by as much as 50 per cent.
In addition, the vehicle also makes use of the same lithium-polymer battery that has become a hallmark of the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid.
The Hyundai ix35 fuel cell is said to offer similar performance to a petrol powered ix35 – it can race from 0-62mph in just 12.5seconds, while achieving a top speed of 100mph. It can also travel 365miles without refuelling.
Paul is a freelance writer with a background in everything from motoring to finance; and holidays to women's undergarments he just writes about them, honestly! He has now sadly crept into his early 30s and seems to have forgotten everything learned at school Still, he's a green car fanatic and isn't that what counts?
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