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Hyundai reveals first details of next-gen fuel-cell SUV
Date: 18 August 2017 | Author: Daniel Puddicombe
Hyundai has revealed the first details of its second commercially available fuel-cell vehicle ahead of its launch next year.
Unnamed at this stage, the SUV shown is in "near-production ready" form and "embodies Hyundai's commitment to a new era for advanced eco-friendly vehicle development", according to the company.
It is due to be revealed early next year, firstly in Korea, followed by the European and North American markets.
According to Hyundai, the vehicle is built using findings from the ix35 fuel-cell vehicle. The South Korean firm said the new vehicle's efficiency is "greatly improved" compared with the ix35 fuel-cell model, while the maximum power output has been raised by 20% to 163hp.
Hyundai also confirmed the new mass-produced model will feature advanced driver assistance systems with details set to be announced at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas next January.
The brand added the new model will "spearhead" its plans to develop low-emission vehicles in line with its and sister company Kia's plans to introduce 31 eco-friendly models to the global market by 2020, with Hyundai taking a multipronged approach, consisting of electric, hybrid and fuel-cell powertrain options.
As part of this plan, Hyundai is currently developing a dedicated platform for electric vehicles that it said will allow the company to produce multiple models with longer driving ranges, including an electric version of the forthcoming Konda compact SUV with a range of 242 miles in the first half of next year and a vehicle with a range of 310 miles by 2021.
"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's eco-technology center. "Hyundai will take [the] lead in developing and producing green energy vehicles that would ultimately complement a near-zero emission society."
