Hyundai has delivered an ix35 fuel cell vehicle to mining company Anglo American.
The vehicle will be used by the company to travel in and around London, and will also be stationed at events.
Anglo American acquired the vehicle but Hyundai would not disclose details of the price.
Hyundai recently announced official pricing for the ix35 fuel cell – £53,105 including part-funding from the Europe-wide HyFive (Hydrogen for Innovative Vehicles) project.
Without the subsidy, the cost of the IX35 would be £67,985, and according to a Hyundai spokeswoman, “people can purchase the car through Hyundai and receive the subsidy rather than having to go through HyFive”.
Hyundai claims the ix35 is the world’s first mass-produced fuel-cell vehicle. It has been sold through central Hyundai channels to selected trial partners since 2013. The vehicle is powered by a 100kW electric motor, and two hydrogen storage tanks allow it to travel up to 369 miles before refills, Hyundai claimed. The energy is stored in a 24Wh lithium-ion polymer battery.
“As society adopts ever more challenging emissions targets, we expect the use of zero emissions Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles to increase significantly. We are actively supporting the development of this new technology,” said Andrew Hinkly, executive head of marketing at Anglo American Platinum.
“Anglo American is an important customer for Hyundai and one of the first outside of the hydrogen industry. The company understands the need to promote fuel cells as a viable alternative to internal combustion and increase the demand for this clean and sustainable technology,” said Robin Hayles, sustainable fuel development manager, Hyundai UK.
