This is the second year running that the Hyundai ix35 Fuel Cell – the world’s first production, zero-emission fuel cell car – has been selected by the European Commission-backed Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH JU), which will see members of the European Parliament, European Commission officials and other policymakers test-drive it in Brussels, Belgium.

Hyundai Motor was awarded its first leasing contract for a hydrogen-powered fuel cell car by the FCH JU in October 2011. Over the course of 2012, the ix35 Fuel Cell was presented to EU decision-makers, stakeholders and the general public at a number of demonstration drives and public events in Brussels and other locations across Europe.

BK Rimsaid, president of Hyundai Motor Europe, said: ‘We are delighted that the FCH JU has chosen the ix35 Fuel Cell as its European demonstration vehicle and look forward to working with them to promote the benefits of hydrogen and fuel cell technology. 

‘We are sure that the leading policymakers and opinion-formers who drive this remarkable vehicle will find its ability to deliver performance and comfort without compromising its eco-friendly nature with tailpipe emissions highly compelling.’

The ix35 Fuel Cell’s fuel cell stack converts hydrogen into electricity, which turns the vehicle’s motor. The only emission generated is water.

The ix35 Fuel Cell can be refuelled with hydrogen in only a few minutes.  It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 12.5 seconds, has a top speed of 160km/h and can travel 594km on a single tank.