Hyundai is unveiling hydrogen-powered electric fuel cell technology that will overcome range anxiety with the reveal of its concept EV H350 Van with a potential range of 422km.
The Korean manufacturer unveiled its H350 fuel cell concept vehicle at the 2016 IAA commercial vehicle show in Hanover, indicating the possibility of its hydrogen technology in the light commercial vehicle (LCV) segment.
Unlike a conventional electric car, which requires some hours to recharge, the 175-litre hydrogen tank fills in under four minutes – similar to the time it takes to refill a tank of petrol or diesel in a conventional vehicle.
Hyundai is packaging the powertrain in such a way that its installation has no impact on the H350’s load area.
Depending on wheelbase, the H350 provides 10.5 cubic metres or 12.9m cubic metres space – sufficient to accommodate five standard European pallets – or a 14-seat passenger compartment.
The fuel cell driveline enables almost silent operation of the vehicle also contributing to a reduction in noise pollution what makes it especially suitable for night deliveries in urban areas.
The H350 fuel cell concept would be suitable not only for these types of deliveries but also long distance travel.
With the fuel cell powertrain capable of producing up to 100kW and 300Nm the H350 concept can reach speeds of up to 150kph.
Propelled by a near-silent electric motor, it also produces significantly less noise than conventional vehicles. The powertrain comprises a hydrogen tank, fuel cell stack, high-voltage battery pack, inverter, and electric motor.
The 700-bar high-pressure hydrogen tanks, located under the floor of the vehicle between the two axles, store 7.05kg of compressed hydrogen, which is then broken down into protons and electrons in the fuel cell stack.
The electricity produced by the fuel stack stores in a compact 24kW lithium-polymer battery pack, with the inverter converting the energy to an alternating current to power the 100kW electric motor.
