Kia's 2020 hydrogen plan 16 | 11 | 2015
KIA HAS ANNOUNCED plans to have a bespoke, mass-produced hydrogen-powered car on sale globally within five years. The initiative is part of the Korean car maker's plans to reduce its average fleet CO2 emissions by 25% from 2014 levels by 2020.
Kia, and its parent company Hyundai, have long been pioneers in hydrogen fuel cell technology. Earlier this year Hyundai brought its ix35 fuel cell car to market. The firms have been producing fuel cell test vehicles since the 1990s.
Kia has confirmed it plans to sell 1000 cars a year for its first mass produced hydrogen vehicle in 2020. It's expected the car will be paired with a similar launch from Hyundai, with both models using a bespoke platform and given unique bodystyles.
“It is not clear what kind of bodystyle the cars will have," Dr Sae Hoon Kim, head of the firm’s fuel cell research, said, "but it will be dedicated models rather than using an existing donor car as we do now with the ix35."
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According to Kia, the next-generation hydrogen fuel stack will be similar in size to a 2.0-litre combustion engine. Significantly, despite being 15% more compact and lighter the powerplant will deliver around 10% more performance. It's also expected the range between refuels will be 500 miles, with the car capable of a top speed of 105mph.
Kia's ambitious CO2 target will result in 70% of the firm’s current line-up of engines being replaced over the next five years, as well as the launch of seven new hybrid, plug-in hybrid, battery-electric and fuel cell cars. The company is also developing more efficient “multi-speed” transmissions.
Total investment in the new projects is reported to be £6.7bn, with Kia staing it will create “thousands” of jobs to hit its targets.
The car maker will also introduce hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions of the Kia Optima to some markets in mid-2016. While the hybrid will not be sold in the UK, the plug-in hybrid will be available in Scotland.
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Jim McGill