February 2003

- by Ray Bernard

Hyundai joins fuel cell movement

07 February 2003: Hyundai is the latest major carmaker to commit to research into fuel cells as an alternative power source for cars.

The company has announced that it is joining the recently-established collaborative team that includes Toyota, DaimlerChrysler, Nissan and PSA/Peugeot-Citroen. The group are working to jointly develop high pressure hydrogen fuel systems, capable of storing more compressed gas in vehicles.

The short range is currently the biggest stumbling block to making such engines acceptable, but the development of 700-bar storage systems will facilitate the design of fuel cell vehicles with a range comparable to the range of petroleum-fueled vehicles.

Prototype fuel cell vehicles currently use 350-bar compressed hydrogen fuel systems.

The six automakers aim to complete development by January 2004 and commercialize the fuel system by 2005.

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