Hyundai Motor Company has joined the Mayor’s London Hydrogen

International car manufacturer Hyundai Motor Company has joined the Mayor’s London Hydrogen Partnership (LHP), committing to work together to bring hydrogen and fuel cell technology to the capital. The development of a hydrogen economy in London will help support the Mayor’s ambitions to secure new jobs and investment whilst at the same time reducing environmental impact.  Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEV) are accepted by many as a viable long-term successor to today’s diesel and petrol passenger vehicles, with many major global automakers developing FCEV.   Hyundai Motor Company are currently working to produce 1000 FCEV vehicles by 2015 which will be available for lease across Europe. Over the last few years the LHP has initiated over £50 million worth of hydrogen projects; attracting and rolling-out new hydrogen buses, taxis, scooters, refuelling stations, materials handling vehicles and fuel cell Combined Heat and Power units to London.   Deputy Mayor, Kit Malthouse, said: “We want Hyundai Motor Company and the London Hydrogen Partnership to develop a roadmap for fuel cell vehicles and hydrogen refuelling station rollout. Hyundai will provide invaluable insights and bring global experience to the Mayor’s innovative ‘smart’ low carbon low emission transport activities. I welcome their commitment to reducing carbon and growing the capital’s hydrogen economy.” Tony Whitehorn, President & CEO of Hyundai Motor UK, commented:  “Hyundai Motor Company is proud to be joining the London Hydrogen Partnership, helping to create a future for the capital that’s cleaner and more sustainable.  Hydrogen delivers considerable environmental benefits and we are looking forward to working closely with the other partners of the LHP to drive forward its widespread introduction. “As the first and currently only manufacturer in the world to series-produce a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, we believe we will play an invaluable role in demonstrating the benefits of this technology.  The availability of the innovative Hyundai ix35 Fuel Cell shows that hydrogen is a practical source of clean and sustainable energy.  The fact that this pioneering vehicle is being leased to public and private fleets today will help LHP create investment and employment opportunities as hydrogen infrastructure is developed.” http://www.london.gov.uk/media/mayor-press-releases/2013/04/hyundai-joins-mayor-s-london-hydrogen-partnership

Author: Simona Dinu