Industrial air gases supplier Air Products has reported positive results after seven months of running a Hyundai ix35 Fuel Cell hydrogen SUV. 

The company has taken delivery of the car as part of the London Hydrogen Network Expansion (LHNE) consortium project; a Government-backed initiative part funded by the Technology Strategy Board (now Innovate UK).  

The Hyundai ix35 Fuel Cell was supplied on a 48-month lease with ALD providing general support on operating the vehicle. 

Emma Guthrie, business development manager, Hydrogen Energy Systems, said: “So far, having the fuel cell car as part of our fleet has given us a valuable understanding that we will continue to build on, and may influence future vehicle choices.” 

The vehicle is based at the company’s office in Hersham, Surrey, and has been making guest appearances at corporate events held to showcase its work. In addition, the company’s engineers have used the car to support visits to the fuelling stations for maintenance work while some colleagues have used the car to go to company meetings. 

The performance of the car has exceeded expectations, with one tester commenting: “I expected a quiet car with poor acceleration. The car is quiet, however acceleration and top speed are in line with, and in some cases exceed, other road users.” 

Range was also found to fit in with most of the company’s everyday requirements. One of the testers commented: “I would feel comfortable making a trip with a 300-mile return range. This is good enough for local trips to some local Air Products facilities and the STEM activities we support in the Surrey area.” 

The reactions by the Air Products drivers have been welcomed by ALD Automotive, which is seeing growing take-up of Alternative Fuel Vehicles (AFVs) amongst its clients as it expands its Mobility Services product portfolio. ALD added that it is currently looking for more customers in the London area to trial Hyundai’s hydrogen technology. For more details please contact [email protected].