Hyundai Previews New Fuel Cell SUV – Plus Kona and Genesis to Offer EV Models

By Steve & Tamami Laser

Hyundai has so many new products in the pipeline it’s tough to keep up with the action. The latest news from the automaker offers a preview of its next-generation Fuel Cell vehicle plus additional future product plans.

The fourth-generation Hyundai Fuel Cell being prepped for launch early next year in Korea is said to be based on the automaker’s FE Concept that was introduced at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show. The prototype (above) looks really sharp and reminds me of the new Hyundai Kona small crossover.

Hyundai says the new FCEV’s efficiency is improved compared to its predecessor, the ix35 Fuel Cell (called Tucson Fuel Cell in the U.S.). The new SUV claims an efficiency level of 60 percent, or a 9 percent increase from the ix35’s 55.3 percent. Hyundai says the new model targets a driving range of more than 580km (360 miles) on a single charge (based on Korean testing standards).

The new production vehicle will also feature Advanced Driver Assistance Technologies. Hyundai says details of the new ADAS features will be disclosed in January at the 2018 CES, along with the official model name. Meanwhile, the new Fuel Cell is said to be on track for North America and Europe following its launch in Korea next year.

The automaker says the “clean and simple interior layout intuitively integrates high-tech elements, to avoid clutter and emphasize a calming presence. The wide dashboard with its high console reinforces the superior SUV-style driving position and incorporates the ergonomically-designed intuitive controls and AV display screen.”

Meanwhile, Hyundai Australia says that two left-hand-drive prototypes were in Australia last month for cold-weather testing (it’s winter in the land down under). A team of Hyundai Motor Company engineers from South Korea were validating the car’s systems in the Snowy Mountains as part of a global testing and durability program.

During the FCEV reveal in Seoul, Hyundai also says that it plans to launch an EV version of the Kona with a range of 390km (242 miles) in the first half of 2018, while the Genesis luxury division plans its own EV for 2021. The automaker also says it’s working on a long-range EV with 500km (310 mile) range for after 2021.

News source and photos courtesy of Hyundai Motor Company and Hyundai Motor Company Australia Pty Ltd. Product features, specifications and launch dates are subject to change without notice.

Story (commentary) © 2017 CarNichiWa.com