Hyundai to Unveil New Hydrogen Fuel Cell SUV in 2017
Hyundai is preparing to reveal a next-generation hydrogen fuel cell SUV in 2017, aiming for improved affordability and practicality over the outgoing ix35 Fuel Cell.
Hyundai is developing an all-new hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, set for public reveal in 2017. The new model will replace the ix35 Fuel Cell, which has been on sale since 2013 and remains the only hydrogen-powered SUV currently available to buyers.
A Hyundai Motor UK spokesperson confirmed the project, indicating that the new fuel cell vehicle will remain a crossover similar in size to the outgoing model. The company is targeting a more affordable price point to make hydrogen technology accessible to a broader range of customers. This comes as Toyota and Honda expand their own hydrogen offerings with the Mirai and Clarity Fuel Cell, intensifying competition in the segment.
Focus on affordability and practicality
Unlike the ix35 Fuel Cell, which was based on the previous-generation Tucson, the new model will use a purpose-built, lighter platform. Hyundai aims to reduce production costs and vehicle weight, which should improve both efficiency and range. While full technical details have yet to be disclosed, the commitment to a right-hand drive variant confirms Hyundai’s intention to market the car in the UK and other right-hand drive territories.
The company expects to produce between 10,000 and 15,000 units over a four-year model cycle, a notable increase over the limited volumes of the outgoing ix35 Fuel Cell. This signals Hyundai’s confidence in the growing potential for hydrogen vehicles, despite the infrastructure and cost challenges that remain in most markets.
Hydrogen competition heats up
Hyundai’s move comes as rivals Toyota and Honda push their own hydrogen fuel cell vehicles into new markets. The Toyota Mirai and Honda Clarity Fuel Cell have both launched with the aim of making hydrogen more mainstream. Hyundai’s next-generation SUV will need to compete not only on technology but also on price and practicality, areas where the current ix35 Fuel Cell has struggled against its Japanese competitors.
- Toyota Mirai: Saloon body style, launched 2014, available in Japan, US, and parts of Europe.
- Honda Clarity Fuel Cell: Saloon, launched 2016, available in Japan and select global markets.
- Hyundai ix35 Fuel Cell: SUV, launched 2013, limited availability, to be replaced in 2017.
What to expect from the new model
Hyundai has not released official images or performance data, but the new fuel cell SUV is expected to retain the crossover format. The lighter platform should deliver improvements in range and efficiency over the outgoing ix35 Fuel Cell. By prioritising affordability, Hyundai aims to widen the appeal of hydrogen vehicles beyond fleet and government buyers to private consumers.
