The Hyundai ix35 fuel cell electric vehicle has been selected by the European Commission-backed Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking to be used as a demonstration vehicle to test and promote hydrogen fuel cell technology in a real-world environment. As part of the announcement made today, the Hyundai ix35 fuel cell electric vehicle will be made available for Members of European Parliament, Commissioners, EU officials and other policymakers to test drive until March 2012.The decision moves Hyundai a step closer to the commercialization of hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles by 2015.
Debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in 2010, the ix35 features important innovations over previous-generation Hyundai FCEVs, including a 55 percent improvement in driving range and an 80 percent reduction in manufacturing costs. Hyundai has become a world leader in the development of hydrogen fuel cell technology since the introduction of the Santa Fe FCEV in 2000, operating a dedicated fuel cell research division at its Eco Technology Research Institute in Korea.