Hyundai drops next-gen fuel cell concept in Geneva

Hyundai Motor has unveiled the FE Fuel Cell Concept at the Geneva Motor Show as its next-generation of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Hyundai says that the FE Fuel Cell Concept is the next step towards its zero emission Hydrogen Energy Society goal.

Hyundai was the first global manufacturer to market a production hydrogen fuel cell vehicle and is a founding member of the Hydrogen Council, designed to promote fuel cell car development as an alternative to fossil fuel vehicles. The current ix35 Fuel Cell (also called the Tucson Fuel Cell) vehicle entered the market in 2013 as a mass-produced hydrogen-powered vehicle. It is available in 17 countries globally.

Hyundai will be introducing 14 or more eco-vehicle models by 2020, starting with the IONIQ line shown in Geneva last year. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (HFCV) could be a part of that rollout.

"Our FE Fuel Cell Concept is an important evolution of our pioneering hydrogen leadership, and moves us closer to our vision for a 'Hydrogen Society,' where transportation is clean, efficient and enhances the lives of our customers," said the company's vice chairman, Woong Chul Yang.

The FE name is "Future Eco" and the car contains the fourth-generation of Hyundai's fuel cell technology. This new generation fuel cell is reported 20 percent lighter and 10 percent more efficient than the current-generation cells used in the Tucson ix35. This also means a 30 percent higher power density in each cell, which boosts range.

The FE Fuel Cell Concept also has an innovative humidifier system that uses the pure water emissions of the fuel cell stack to humidify the cabin's air to make it more comfortable for the passengers. This is a unique use of the only emissions an HFCV has.

The concept also has portable battery packs on board that can be charged by the car and used to power devices in the car or on the go. An integrated storage and charging space for an electric scooter is located in the trunk for "last mile" transportation.

The new FE Fuel Cell Concept is designed to travel over 800 km (500 mi) between fill-ups, helping speed the car's adoption as hydrogen refueling infrastructure increases. Hyundai says that the FE Fuel Cell Concept is a glimpse at the upcoming SUV Fuel Cell model launching in 2018.