Hyundai proudly introduced the first commercially available fuel cell car in The Netherlands. The launch event of this ix35 car took place in Arnhem, close to the location of the first public hydrogen fueling station in The Netherlands. HyGear was asked to generate the hydrogen and fuel the vehicles with hydrogen for this event.

15 April 2013 – During the introduction of the Hyundai ix35, the invitees of the event had the chance to experience the feeling of driving a hydrogen-fueled car and fueling the car with hydrogen. All responses were very positive. Unlike a normal car, the fuel cell car is silent and has high torque. The launch of Hyundai’s fuel cell car is an important breakthrough in the ‘chicken-and-egg issue’ and an important milestone in Hyundai’s strategy: the company aims to become market leader in the segment in 2020. According to Hyundai 500.000 to 1M fuel cell cars will on the road by that time.

In the Netherlands, State Secretary for Infrastructure and Environment Wilma Mansveld has announced that more fueling stations will be built. The current public station in Arnhem will be increased in size, the private station in Amsterdam will be improved and become public and new stations are projected in Rotterdam and Helmond.

How it works

There are two routes of producing hydrogen; one through reforming and the other through electrolysis. In case of reforming, natural gas or biogas can directly be fed into the process to reform it to hydrogen. In case of electrolysis, natural gas, solar- or wind energy needs to be converted to electricity first. Subsequently, the electricity can split the water into hydrogen and oxygen.

When the hydrogen gas is compressed, it can be fuelled into the fuel cell car. In the fuel cell, the hydrogen reacts with oxygen (outside air) and generates electricity, heat and water vapor. A part of the generated electricity is fed into the battery.

How it works: hydrogen fuel for fuel cell cars

HyGear: Engineering for sustainable growth