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Pioneering university to run Lex Autolease hydrogen Hyundai

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Lex Autolease hydrogen Hyundai delivered to the University of Birmingham.

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5 May 2016

University of Birmingham hydrogen fuel cell car

  • Hyundai ix35 Fuel Cell
  • Leased by Lex Autolease
  • Used for staff transport and as part of the university’s chauffeur service for visitors
  • Using onsite hydrogen fuelling station, opened in 2008 for university’s Centre for Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Research
  • University already has around 20 electric vehicles

THE University of Birmingham has taken delivery of a Lex Autolease hydrogen Hyundai – one of the UK’s first hydrogen fuel cell fleet vehicles – bolstering its reputation as a pioneer in the field of hydrogen fuel cell research.

The Hyundai ix35 Fuel Cell has been leased to the university by Lex Autolease, the UK’s largest fleet management company, marking the next stage in the development of alternative technology to traditionally-fuelled petrol and diesel vehicles.

Though a handful of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are already being trialled in the UK, the University of Birmingham is believed to be the first in the country to employ the technology as part of its day-to-day fleet operations – it previously ran five hydrogen powered cars on its campus as part of a research project.

The new vehicle will be used for staff transport and as part of the university’s chauffeur service for visitors, making it the first example of the technology to be used solely as a working vehicle.

An onsite hydrogen fuelling station, unveiled in 2008 to support work carried out at the university’s Centre for Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Research, will provide the power for the Lex Autolease hydrogen Hyundai.

The centre focuses on research and development, applications and demonstrations of hydrogen and fuel cell systems and has numerous patents in fuel cell technologies. Work there also focuses on the implementation of a hydrogen and fuel cell supply chain working with around 60 SMEs to develop components.

Use of this car as part of our regular fleet is a tangible example of how scientific research can be turned into reality

Researchers are working to determine how these hydrogen vehicles need to be adapted in order to make hydrogen an attractive and cost effective option as a future fuel. The new delivery is another step forwards towards that goal.

The University already has around 20 electric vehicles – around one-fifth of its fleet, as it strives to reduce emissions across its estate.

Chris Chandler, principal consultant at Lex Autolease, said: “Hydrogen fuel cell technology is very much in its infancy in the UK, with just a few vehicles of its kind in the country. The decision to incorporate the cutting edge Hyundai ix35 Fuel Cell into its day-to-day fleet is testament to the University of Birmingham’s commitment to pushing boundaries and trailblazing new technology.”

Stuart Richards, director of hospitality and accommodation services at the university, said: “We are in a unique position here on our main campus in Edgbaston, with our own hydrogen refuelling station making it possible to employ new technologies such as the hydrogen fuel cell cars in our day-to-day activities.

“The university has long been renowned for pioneering research which results in practical applications to improve people’s lives and the use of this car as part of our regular fleet is a tangible example of how scientific research can be turned into reality.”

Hyundai Motor has been developing and pioneering fuel cell electric vehicle technology since 1998. It was the world’s first car manufacturer to bring a fuel cell vehicle to market and make it commercially available, with mass production of the ix35 Fuel Cell starting in 2013. Since 2014, they have delivered vehicles to a number of customers across both the private and public sectors.

Robin Hayles for Hyundai Motor UK said: “We are very proud to be delivering this vehicle to the University of Birmingham, not only because of the university’s renowned experience within the hydrogen field but also as the vehicle will play a role in the day-to-day activity of the university’s existing fleet.

“The ix35 Fuel Cell offers the same practicality, performance, safety levels and driving experience that you would expect from a petrol or diesel powered vehicle – but with zero tailpipe emissions. We are also pleased to be building on our existing relationship with Lex Autolease and look forward to playing a significant role in increasing the number of ultra-low emission vehicles within the UK’s fleet sector.”

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