Fuel cell technology is considered by many experts to be the drive technology of the future. automakers Hyundai now offers its fuel cell car ix35 Fuel Cell to private customers. The compact SUV with the hydrogen-based electric drive will be available from May for 65.450 euros, the leasing rate (four years) costs 1.290 euros per month. So far, only selected customers, especially authorities and companies, have been able to lease the zero-emission SUV.
Hyundai has developed its fuel cell model based on the ix35. The fuel cell supplies a 100 kW / 136 hp electric motor, which drives the front wheels, with electrical energy. The only emission is water vapor. One fill of the two gas tanks should last for around 600 kilometers, which is more than battery-powered electric cars, which have to be plugged in after just 200 kilometers.
According to Hyundai, the ix35 Fuel Cell is fully equipped for the price mentioned, including a radio navigation system, reversing camera, seat heating and two-zone automatic climate control. The compact SUV accelerates to 12,5 km / h in 100 seconds, with a maximum speed of 160 km / h. A similarly equipped ix35 with a combustion engine should cost about half.
The Koreans are getting ahead with the sales release in Germany Toyota. The Japanese company has announced the launch of its mid-range saloon Mirai, which was specially developed for the fuel cell, for September at prices starting at EUR 78.540. In the first two years, up to 40 vehicles per year are expected to come to Germany from the Japanese plant. Other manufacturers are also experimenting with the technology, for example Honda has launched the FCX Clarity in a small series.
However, the filling station network for hydrogen currently stands in the way of widespread use: it is even more extensive than that of charging stations for battery cars. In Germany, according to the portal h2stations.org, which is operated by TÜV Süd, among others, only around 20 functioning petrol pumps are available. The majority of them in the Hamburg, Berlin and Stuttgart area.
Author: Hanne Lübbehüsen / SP-X
