Hyundai unveils proof-of-concept fuel-cell vehicle
Hyundai has unveiled the H350, a proof-of-concept fuel-cell vehicle, designed for commercial purposes. The van boasts a 175-litre fuel tank which can be filled in four minutes, has a range of up to 422 km and can reach speeds of 150 km/h. Hyundai have also placed the hydrogen tanks under the floor, allowing the load space to accommodate five standard European pallets, or up to 14 seats in a bus configuration.

Hyundai has revealed its new H350 Fuel Cell Concept – a zero-emissions design study that showcases the future for commercial vehicles.

According to the manufacturer, the H350 is proof of concept for the company's work in the field of hydrogen fuel cell technology applied to commercial vehicle design.

Unlike normal electric vehicles, which require several hours of charging once their batteries are depleted, the H350 is fitted with a 175 litre hydrogen tank that can be completely filled in less than four minutes.

What's more, the manufacturer believes the H350 Fuel Cell Concept will deliver a range of up to 422 kilometres between hydrogen refills, and the only emission produced will be H20.

Another benefit of the hydrogen fuel cell is that the packaging of the power plant doesn't impede the vehicle's load area. As the picture here shows, the bulky hydrogen tanks can occupy space under the floor. Hyundai says that depending on the size of the model's load volume, 10.5m³ or 12.9m³, the H350 can accommodate five standard European pallets or up to 14 seats in a bus configuration.

Also a positive for hydrogen power is its lack of noise pollution. In operation, the fuel cell driveline is almost completely silently.

The H350 concept is meant to produce 100kW and 350Nm, and Hyundai reckons that this will enable the concept to reach speeds of up to 150 km/h. Those numbers are close to the output of a conventional diesel van – but without negatives such as noise or pollution.

Fuel cell vehicles have been on the agenda at Hyundai for some years, but this is the company's first effort to develop a fuel cell vehicle designed for commercial purposes.

In recent years fuel cell technology has lost some of its lustre as battery-electric vehicles have begun to show more promise, but short of a significant breakthrough in battery technology within the next decade, hydrogen fuel cells offer the best prospects for clean motoring in the future.