The ix35 is the carmaker’s third generation FCEV, and is claimed to be as practical as a conventionally powered vehicle. It refuels in minutes, giving a 360 mile range with a 100mph top speed, and passes 62mph in 12.8 seconds, while emitting only water vapour.

Hyundai is planning to bring a production model to market within the next few years, but hasn’t confirmed a definite release date. It recently signed a memorandum of understanding with four Northern European countries to run a test fleet of vehicles, following earlier trials in Korea and Copenhagen.

Hyundai UK managing director, Tony Whitehorn, commented: ‘We are extremely excited to be showcasing the ix35 FCEV in the UK for the first time at EcoVelocity.

‘The ultimate goal would be to see zero-emission vehicles on UK roads within the next few years; however, the market and local infrastructure will be the real determinant of this. In the interim, Hyundai is working hard to make internal combustion engines as efficient as possible.’