Hyundai’s hydrogen fuel cell vehicles could come to the US in 2014

Hyundai has plans to launch hydrogen fuel cell vehicle next year

South Korean automaker Hyundai is gearing up for the official launch of its hydrogen-powered ix35 in the U.S. The company was the first in the auto industry to begin mass production on a hydrogen-powered vehicle and has managed to establish significant momentum with its ix35 in many prominent markets throughout the world. As most other automakers have been working to address issues concerning the performance of hydrogen fuel cells, as well as the lack of a comprehensive fuel infrastructure throughout most of the world, Hyundai has been laboring under the believe that the world is fully prepared to embrace clean transportation.

ix35 may be the next fuel cell vehicle to come to the US

Hyundai has plans to release its hydrogen-powered vehicle in the U.S. at some point in 2014. The company believes that the U.S. market is prepared to support these vehicles, but the initial launch of the hydrogen-powered ix35 is likely to be limited to a few thousand models so as to not place inordinate strain on the country’s infant hydrogen fuel infrastructure. The vehicle is expected to find the majority of its early success in California, where hydrogen fuel stations are taking root at a relatively rapid pace when compared to elsewhere in the country.

Infrastructure needed to ensure success of fuel cell vehicles

Without a comprehensive hydrogen fuel infrastructure, fuel cell vehicles are not expected to find any degree of large scale success. The inability to fuel these vehicles in a reliable fashion has proven to be a major detractor for many consumers. The cost of these vehicles is also a major factor that is limiting consumer interest. Hydrogen fuel cells are notoriously expensive and these costs translate directly into the ultimate price of vehicles that use them.

Hyundai generates hype for ix35 in Europe

Hyundai has managed to generate a significant level of hype behind the ix35. The company has been testing the vehicle in Europe in order to showcase the capabilities of hydrogen fuel cells and how these energy systems can be used in the transportation sector. Hyundai’s efforts have helped spike interest in the ix35 in European markets, but the U.S. market remains one of the automaker’s most favored in the world.