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| Hyundai Motor executives pose with the company's next-generation fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) during an unveiling event at the 63 Convention Center on Yeouido, Seoul, Thursday. |
By Jhoo Dong-chan
Hyundai Motor showcased its next-generation fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) during an unveiling event at the 63 Convention Center on Yeouido, Seoul, Thursday.
Along with the carmaker's other eco-friendly models, it opened a new FCEV exhibition booth at Yeouido Hangang Park, promoting its leading FCEV technology.
Hyundai Motor also unveiled its roadmap for future mobility by saying it will expand its eco-friendly vehicle lineup to 31 models by 2020 from the current 14.
The nation's largest carmaker said it aims to lead the global eco-friendly vehicle market by establishing the world's first mass production system for such vehicles.
"Hyundai Motor's next-generation FCEVs symbolize the carmaker's heritage and leadership for hydroelectric powertrains," said Lee Kwang-guk, Hyundai Motor's domestic sales chief.
"The model will reaffirm Hyundai Motor's position as a global leader in FCEVs while introducing hydrogen as an ultimate clean energy source for future mobility."
The models, which will feature Hyundai's latest technologies in fuel cell electric systems and connected cars, are expected to go on sale early next year.
Hyundai Motor said in a press release it will reveal a new level of technology in efficiency, performance and durability, greatly improved from its existing Tucson FCEV.
The FCEV model targets to travel 580 kilometers on a full charge while producing a maximum 163 horsepower. Its performance is expected to be a 20 percent improvement over the Tucson.
Thanks to the carmaker's highly durable core auto parts, drivers can start the new FCEV model's engine even at minus 30 degrees Celsius.
Confident of the model's durability, Hyundai Motor offers a 10-year or 160,000-kilometer warranty, the official said.
Hyundai Motor added it will introduce 10 hybrid electric vehicles, 11 plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, eight electric vehicles and two FCEVs by 2020.
Rise of FCEV
Unlike an EV that uses batteries to power its motor, an FCEV uses oxygen from the air and compressed hydrogen to generate electricity to power the motor. Most FCEVs are classified as zero-emission vehicles that emit only water and heat.
Another advantage of FCEVs is that they just need hydrogen as fuel from a charge station, as each one has an internal power generator called a fuel cell stack. It takes several minutes to charge an FCEV, while a high-capacity EV takes more than 10 hours to fully charge its battery.
In recognition of such advantages, the country's leaders briskly promote the model.
During her recent visit to Cheonan, South Chungcheong Province, for example, Transport Minister Kim Hyun-mee got around in a Tucson.
According to the ministry, Kim has relied on the FCEV since she took office in May. She reportedly takes the eco-friendly SUV when she commutes to and from Sejong, around 120 kilometers south of Seoul.
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