Intensive research has resulted a higher output (80kW) fuel cell and a new lithium ion polymer 152 volt battery to give the Sportage FCEV better performance, a greatly extended driving range and cold-weather capability.

The powerplant is located in the normal engine bay and boasts an additional 5kW of power (compared to earlier research vehicles) to produce a peak output of 80kW and give a top speed of 150km/h. With a 152 litre hydrogen storage tank located low-down, ahead of the rear wheels, the FCEV has a maximum range of 300km.

“Entering this new phase of our program is really exciting,” commented Kim Sang-Kwon, president of R&D for the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group. “Now we will be able to build fuel cell electric vehicles in higher volumes for fleet testing and the latest Sportage FCEV drives us closer to the commercialisation of fuel cell vehicles.

“Migrating our fuel cell technologies into a smaller, more compact vehicle presented many design challenges and I am confident that our engineers have met them all.”

Hyundai-Kia’s stated aim is a commercially viable zero-emissions vehicle based on fuel cell technology by 2010.

The Sportage FCEV is equipped with hydrogen-powered fuel cells from UTC Fuel Cells of Hartford, Connecticut, and a next generation hybrid-electric drivetrain, motor and control unit from Enova Systems of Torrance, California.