Hyundai REVEAL next generation Hydrogen FCEV – Kona SUV EV arrives in 2018 with 240 mile range

The next generation Hyundai Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) has been revealed as a standalone SUV design with 163bhp, and the Kona SUV EV arrives in 2018.

Hyundai has worked hard to deliver a commercially viable hydrogen fuel cell electric car to the market and, although in small numbers, the ix35 FCEV is out in the wild and is being used by real people in the real world.

But now the ix35 FCEV (Tucson) is about to bite the dust as Hyundai reveal their ‘New Generation’ FCEV in Seoul in almost production ready guise ahead of its arrival in early 2018.

This time round, it looks like the new FECV is a standalone SUV/Crossover design with a hint or three of the new Kona in its design (and clearly inspired by the Hyundai FE FCEV concept at Geneva this year), promising improved performance and improved range from Hyundai’s fourth generation fuel stack.

Efficiency is improved on the new FCEV (which doesn’t have a name yet) by 9 per cent, and range increases to 360 miles from a single refill, power output goes up to 161bhp from its electric motor, and it can start without problems in temperatures as low as -30 C.

Hyundai see the new FCEV as the trailblazer for a low emissions future, but it’s probably confirmation that the new Kona EV will arrive in 2018 too which will have the most impact in the short term.

The new Hyundai Kona SUV already looks like it has all it needs to be a real competitor in the little urban warrior SUV world, but the arrival of an electric Kona with a 240 mile range should make it hugely appealing for urbanites.

Finally, Hyundai also revealed they will be extending their new hybrid technology to SUVs and larger vehicles, and are plotting new 4WD and front engine-rear drive cars. Oh, and there will be a Genesis EV arriving in 2021 too.

Busy ‘Green’ times ahead for Hyundai.