Hyundai has unveiled its next-generation hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle, the Tucson ix Fuel-Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) at Fuel Cell & Hydrogen Energy 2011 in Washington, DC.
Hyundai’s third-generation FCEV is equipped with its newest 100-kilowatt fuel cell system and two hydrogen storage cylinders (700bar) to deliver a substantial improvement in fuel efficiency.
The Tucson ix FCEV can travel more than 400 miles on a single fueling, a 76-percent improvement over its predecessor, and a range equal to a gasoline-powered car. It achieves gasoline equivalent fuel efficiency of more than 70 miles per gallon, a 15-percent improvement over the previous version. It can also start in temperatures as low as minus 25 degrees Celsius.
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-percent 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 | 100kW | 100kW | |
| Drive System | 100kW | 100kW | ||
| Energy Storage System | 21kW (Battery) | 100kW (Super Capacit or ) | ||
| Hydrogen Storage System | 700bar (Hydrogen : 5.6kg) | 350bar (Hydrogen : 3.5kg) | ||
| PERFORMANCE | Maximum Speed | 100 mph | 100 mph | |
| Gasoline Equivalent Fuel Efficiency | 72 mpg | 63 mpg | ||
| Max. Driving Distance per single refueling | 403 mi | 230 mi | ||
