Hyundai’s hydrogen SUV out on test before Vegas debut
HYUNDAI is ploughing ahead with its range of alternatively fuelled vehicles, and next in the pipeline is a hydrogen-powered SUV.
A near-production version of the FCEV (fuel cell electric vehicle) has been caught testing in Germany ahead of its official unveiling at January’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.
The disguise-free model has a svelte, low-drag body shape with a front-end that features thin LED headlights inspired by those on the Kona crossover, while recessed door handles also appear. The rear features triangular LED tail-lights and a spoiler.
We’ve yet to see the SUV’S interior, but the cabin from the concept has given us a good idea of what to expect. Dual screens on top of the dash will display the instruments, powertrain data and infotainment, while the centre console rises up towards the dash. Hyundai also promisesses “advanced driver assistance technologies” which we’lll hear more about at CES.
The production car will contain Hyundai’s fourth-generation fuel cell, which is 20 per cent lighter and nine per cent more efficient than the current system in the ix35. It’ll produce around 160bhp and Hyundai claims a range of 497 miles.les.
The FCEV is expected to be cheaper and sold in greater numbers than the hydrogen ix35, which cost more than £53,000.