Hyundai Motor America has introduced its next-generation hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, the Tucson ix Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV). The Tucson ix FCEV made its US public debut at Fuel Cell & Hydrogen Energy 2011 in Washington, DC.
Hyundai’s third-generation FCEV is equipped with its newest 100 kW fuel cell system and two hydrogen storage cylinders (700 bar) to deliver a substantial improvement in fuel efficiency. The Tucson ix FCEV can travel more than 400 miles (644 km) on a single fueling, a 76% improvement over its predecessor, and a range equal to a gasoline-powered car.
It achieves gasoline equivalent fuel efficiency of more than 70 mpg US (3.36 L/100km), a 15% improvement over the previous version. It can also start in temperatures as low as -25 ° C.
In addition to improving the fuel economy and range of the powertrain, Hyundai has also created a more compact power source for the Tucson ix FCEV. Overall volume of the fuel cell system was downsized by 20% compared to the previous system via modularization of bulky parts in the fuel cell system including fuel cell stack, balance of plant (BOP), inverter and high voltage junction box.
Hyundai will test about 50 new Tucson ix FCEVs throughout 2011 as part of the second phase of the Korean Government Validation Program. Hyundai plans to make a limited supply of the Tucson ix FCEV in 2012 and begin mass production in 2015.
| Comparison of new Tucson ix FCEV (3rd generation) and Tucson FCEV (2nd generation | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classification | Tucson ix FCEV | Tucson FCEV | ||||
| Specifications | Fuel Cell Stack | 100 kW | 100 kW | |||
| Drive system | 100 kW | 100 kW | ||||
| Energy storage system | 21 kW (battery) | 100 kW (supercapacitor) | ||||
| Hydrogen storage | 700 bar 5.6 kg H2 |
350 bar 3.5 kg H2 |
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| Performance | Max. speed | 100 mph 161 km/h |
100 mph 161 km/h |
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| Gasoline equiv. fuel economy | 72 mpg US 3.36 L/100km |
63 mpg US 3.73 L/100km |
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| Max range per single refueling | 403 mi 649 mi |
230 mi 370 mi |
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The Tucson ix FCEV shows that Hyundai is taking a multi-faceted approach to improving fuel economy, developing hydrogen fuel cell vehicles along with its patented Blue Drive technology. Hyundai is committed to developing a diverse portfolio of fuel efficient options for our customers, as seen with our Sonata Hybrid, turbocharged Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engine and the all-new 1.8-liter Nu engine delivering 40 mpg highway for the Elantra. The introduction of the new FCEV is just another example of all the things we’re doing to increase the ecological friendliness and the fuel economy of our products.
—John Juriga, Powertrain Director at Hyundai Kia America Technical Center, Inc.