28 Decemeber 2010 - This is the future, the models powered by hydrogen together with the electric models that are already popular all over the world. Both the electric and hydrogen powered models have a common aspect – zero CO2 emissions. Hyundai announces that a new model based by ix35 will be developed by 2015.

It will be called ix35 FCEV and the main difference is that the new model will use hydrogen as fuel - will make its market debut in 2015. With development wrapping up this week, Hyundai says the ix35 FCEV will now begin 'in-service' testing. As part of the pre-sale tests, 48 of the ultra-green SUVs will be driven daily by the South Korean government.

Even before in-service testing begins, Hyundai has clocked up over two million kilometres in the ix35 FCEV, both in South Korea and as part of the US Government's Learning Demonstration Program between 2004 and 2009.

The propulsion system uses oxygen and hydrogen in order to create electricity which will be delivered to the electric engine. Power for the ix35 FCEV is provided by a 100kW electric motor, drawing energy from two hydrogen storage tanks. Driving range is listed at an impressive 650km, and according to Hyundai, this is equivalent to around 3.2 l/100km for a petrol engine offering around the same power.

Most impressively, the ix35′s working range is a 76% improvement over the previous offering, which had a 370 km range on one charge. In other numerical terms, the ix35 FCEV has a petrol equivalent fuel efficiency of 31 km per litre, a 15% improvement over the old one’s 27 km/l.

Launched internationally in 2009, the ix35 range will be into its sixth year when the ix35 FCEV launches in 2015 - although a styling and equipment update is likely to occur before then.