Hyundai's 690 HP sports car concept is powered by hydrogen
Hydrogen Vision 2040 is Hyundai's ambitious plan to make hydrogen power more popular
A couple of days ago, Hyundai announced that they plan to be carbon neutral by 2045. To do so, they plan on increasing sales of EVs while also phasing out fossil fuel-based cars in major markets. Aside from making more battery electric vehicles (BEVs), Hyundai believes that hydrogen-powered fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) are also the way to go for a zero-emissions future.
With some still doubtful about using hydrogen to power FCEVs, how does Hyundai plan on making it popular to buyers? The automaker believes a sleek sports car, together with several other concepts, will help convince buyers.
To become more environmentally friendly, Hyundai has revealed its Hydrogen Vision 2040 plan. Under this ambitious undertaking, Hyundai plans to introduce next-generation fuel-cell systems that put out between 135 to 271 PS in 2023, applying fuel-cell technology to commercial vehicles like trucks, and introduce concepts that show hydrogen power being used in zero-emission vehicles.
Perhaps one of the most noticeable concepts Hyundai revealed is the Vision FK. It's a two-door sports car that produces 690 PS and can travel over 600 km on a single tank of hydrogen. It's powered by a fuel-cell energy converter that drives a rear-mounted electric motor, making the Vision FK a rear-wheel-drive vehicle. Hyundai claims the Vision FK can sprint from 0 – 97 km/h in less than four seconds.
Aside from revealing a hydrogen-powered sports car concept, Hyundai also revealed the Trailer Drone concept. It's a hydrogen-powered container transportation system that aims to change the way we move cargo. It has a modular hydrogen tank system that allows only the required number of tanks to be installed, depending on the journey. On a single charge, the drone can travel for more than 1,000 km and can operate autonomously.
To capitalize on making hydrogen power available for FCEVs, Hyundai also came up with the H Moving Station concept. While it may look like a typical big rig, this heavy-duty truck is equipped with charging facilities for FCEVs. It has a portable hydrogen refueling station, as well as charging stations that can be used in areas with limited hydrogen refueling stations.
With Hyundai's commitment to be carbon neutral in 2045, Hyundai's plan to make hydrogen more popular in the market could further help people shift to zero-emission vehicles. And since Hyundai will not rely solely on battery electric power, hydrogen could serve as an alternative source of power for EVs.
Hopefully, the rest of the world (including developing countries) will be able to take advantage of Hyundai's plan to introduce more BEVs and FCEVs.
