Hyundai showcases bold plans for hydrogen cars and high-performance models at Geneva Motor Show

Hyundai Motor Company has given further proof of its ambitions for electrified vehicles at the Geneva Motor Show, including world premieres of the carmaker’s latest concept for hydrogen-powered cars and the soon-to-launch plug-in hybrid IONIQ, alongside a preview of plans for its highly anticipated high-performance ‘N’ division.

Hyundai is already the industry leader for hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles, with the Hyundai Tucson FCEV the world’s first production model powered by the technology. The Future Eco (FE) Fuel Cell Concept, unveiled at Geneva, foreshadows the next generation of hydrogen-powered vehicles. With a range of more than 800 kilometres between refuelling, the FE Fuel Cell Concept represents the next step for Hyundai towards realising its ultimate ambition of creating a zero-emission Hydrogen Energy Society.

Hyundai believes hydrogen offers a viable long-term alternative to fossil fuels as an energy source for the motor industry, and is an important part of its plans to create environmentally sustainable transport.

“Hyundai Motor has a heritage of building innovative, fuel-efficient vehicles and aims to become a global leader in sustainable mobility through its leadership in hydrogen fuel-cell technology,” said Mr. Woong Chul YangVice Chairman of Hyundai Motor Company. “We want to realise our dream of a Hydrogen Energy Society and call upon stakeholders from various sectors, not just carmakers, to combine their efforts to ensure that hydrogen production, delivery and infrastructure are aligned.”

The Geneva display shows off Hyundai’s flexible approach to the transition towards sustainable motoring, using a selection of advanced drivetrains – including hydrogen fuel cells, hybrid, plug-in, and fully electric options – to suit the needs of diverse customers and markets. This includes an extensive area dedicated to the Hyundai IONIQ range, with the primary focus on the IONIQ Plug-in Hybrid due to its imminent arrival at European showrooms in the summer.

With its first versions launched in Europe during 2016 and now progressively being introduced to other international markets, IONIQ is the world’s first car to offer buyers a choice of three electrified powertrains: Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid, and Electric. It is Hyundai’s first platform developed exclusively for alternative drivetrains, and is part of Hyundai Motor’s global sustainability strategy to launch 14 eco cars by 2020. The plan includes five hybrid vehicles, four plug-in hybrid vehicles, four electric vehicles and one fuel-cell electric vehicle.

The IONIQ Plug-in Hybrid combines the new 1.6 GDI four-cylinder direct-injection petrol engine with a class-leading thermal efficiency of 40 percent, delivering a maximum power of 105 PS and 147 Nm of torque with a 45 kW (61 PS) electric motor powered by an 8.9 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery to enable an electric driving range up to 63 km while reducing CO2 emissions to 26 g/km and fuel consumption to 1.1 l/100 km (NEDC combined cycle).

Alongside the IONIQ production models, Hyundai is also exhibiting its autonomous IONIQ development car, which was publicly tested during the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in January. Moving forward with the use of LiDAR technology, Hyundai Motor has fitted the hardware behind the autonomous IONIQ’s front bumper rather than using the typical roof-mounted approach, retaining the new car’s sleek design. The car’s advanced self-driving systems are kept as simple as possible by integrating existing functions from the production model, including the Smart Cruise Control system’s forward-facing radar and Lane Keeping Assist cameras.

“Our presence at Geneva this year demonstrates Hyundai’s ability to apply advanced technology in the real world,” said Mike Song, Hyundai’s Head of Operations for Africa and the Middle East. “Looked at individually, each of these display cars is a testament to our research and development program. When we look at them together, from the IONIQ already on sale, to the autonomous IONIQ, to the FE Fuel Cell Concept, they provide a clear roadmap for the future of mobility.”

Further highlights from Hyundai aim to spark the emotions of driving enthusiasts, with a display of the i20 Coupe WRC, which is contesting this year’s World Rally Championship, and the thrilling RN30 concept that is building anticipation of the future high-performance N models. Based on the New Generation Hyundai i30, the RN30 was born as a racing machine featuring a 2.0-litre turbo engine with 380 PS, and all-wheel drive.

“The RN30 embodies the concept of a strong, high-performance car that ensures dynamic, sporty driving,” said Albert Biermann, Head of Vehicle Testing & High Performance Development at Hyundai Motor Company. “Soon to evolve into our first N model, the RN30 is inspired by our passion to provide a high-performance car that everybody can enjoy effortlessly.”

Highlighting Hyundai’s complete vision for future mobility, the Geneva Motor Show display also includes H-MEX, HUMA and H-WEX; Hyundai Motor’s latest innovations in advanced assistive medical, work and daily life exoskeletons. The devices facilitate personal mobility beyond the automobile. The H-MEX (Hyundai Medical Exoskeleton) helps patients with lower spinal-cord injuries regain the ability to walk. HUMA (Hyundai Universal Medical Assist) exoskeleton provides assisted mobility support for people with limited muscular power. Meanwhile, the H-WEX (Hyundai Waist Exoskeleton) provides upper-body and hip support to prevent back injuries for workers doing repetitive manual work or heavy lifting.

The 2017 International Geneva Motor Show concludes on March 19.