The Federal Industry and Science Minister, Ian Macfarlane MP, officially unveiled first hydrogen-powered car, the Hyundai ix35 Fuel Cell, to be permanently based in the country and also opened Australia’s only hydrogen refueling station at Hyundai Australia’s headquarters in Sydney. Built in South Korea, the Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) arrived last year and has already been undergoing operational trials. The next generation of Hyundai’s FCEV is targeted for introduction by 2018.
The arrival of the first test vehicle and the commissioning of Australia’s only hydrogen refueling station are pioneering steps toward the commercial availability of emissions-free hydrogen powered vehicles in Australia. “We are taking a bold step into the future and we hope other Australians become as inspired and excited by this technology as we are,” said Hyundai Motor Company Australia CEO, Charlie Kim.
Hyundai has installed Australia’s only fuel cell vehicle Hydrogen Refueling Station (HRS) at its headquarters, currently using hydrogen provided by gas partner Coregas Australia, but soon to be creating its own hydrogen onsite through the use of an electrolyzer and harnessing solar power. The HRS, supplied by American company Air Products, is now fully operational. There are currently no plans for a similar infrastructure in Australia.
“Hyundai strongly supports the idea of a ‘Hydrogen Highway’ infrastructure roll out in Australia, between Melbourne and Sydney, like those already in operation overseas. We look forward to engaging in industry and partner discussions about ways to further motivate the adoption of hydrogen motoring in Australia and to offering some viable options to our Federal, State and local policy makers,” added Kim.
Source: Hyundai Australia
