The project, backed by the European Community’s Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking, has recently established a Norwegian hydrogen refuelling infrastructure with the first station opened in Oslo.

In Norway, the two demonstrator vehicles will be operated by environmental organisation Zero and hydrogen highway project HyNor. Hydrogen Link and the Danish Partnership for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells will operate the two vehicles in Denmark.

Hyundai said the Nordic climate was good for environmental testing the ix35 FCEV, which can start in temperatures as low as -25°C. Refuelling takes three minutes and gives a range of 326 miles.

Allan Rushforth, senior vice president and chief operating officer of Hyundai Motor Europe, said: ‘Hyundai is committed to exploring a number of alternative energy solutions that will contribute to a sustainable future for the auto industry. We believe hydrogen-powered vehicles will have an important role to play, so we are delighted to partner with like-minded organisations on the H2moves Scandinavia project. Test drives of the ix35 FCEV will provide valuable feedback from ordinary motorists on real-world driving impressions of FCEVs.’

‘Another important consideration is the establishment of an infrastructure which supports ownership of fuel cell vehicles. The state-of-the-art refuelling station inOslowill serve as a benchmark for the industry.’