Hyundai Motor Co.’s Tucson ix has been selected as the sole fuel cell testbed vehicle for Europe, Hyundai Motor Group said last week.

The automotive group, whose flagship companies include Hyundai and Kia Motors Corp., said the selection by the European Union parliament showcases the competitiveness of its fuel cell sector.

Fuel cell systems convert chemical energy from natural fuel sources, such as hydrogen, directly into electricity. Such systems provide an almost limitless clean energy supply.

The world’s fifth-largest automaking conglomerate added that the Tucson ix sport utility vehicle will be driven by EU lawmakers and policymakers in Brussels for six months to judge the system’s viability in the European market. The motor group will actively participate in efforts to spread the use of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles in Europe.

The fuel cell-driven Tucson only releases water as a by-product of the conversion process. The SUV has been tested at a top speed of 160 kilometers per hour and can reach 100 kilometers per hour from zero in 12.8 seconds. It will travel at least 650 kilometers after being fueled with hydrogen.

“The testbed arrangement can open new horizons for the carmaker to make headway in the future European hydrogen fuel cell market,” the automotive group said. 

(Yonhap News)