HYUNDAI has delivered the first six examples of the hydrogen fuel cell powered version of the Hyundai ix35 to UK customers.

The initial batch of these special Hyundai ix35 Fuel Cell models will be operated by organisations such as Air Products, ITM Power, Johnson Matthey and Transport for London.

Like battery-powered electric vehicles, fuel cell cars have no harmful tailpipe emissions, but the energy provided by the fuel cell provides far greater range – a claimed 350 miles plus in the case of the ix35 Fuel Cell.

Tony Whitehorn, President and CEO, Hyundai Motor UK, said: “Making the first UK customer deliveries of hydrogen-powered cars is a huge landmark for the industry.

“Hyundai is the first company in the world to start series-production of a fuel cell vehicle and is committed to rolling-out this technology in line with government plans to grow the refuelling infrastructure.”

The UK government is supporting the adoption of hydrogen fuel cell cars with £11 million of funding announced recently by the Business Minister Mike Hancock.

UK consumers can now order Hyundai ix35 Fuel Cell vehicles directly from Hyundai UK directly, with new customer deliveries taking place in early 2015.