VW showed off its Tiguan HyMotion Fuel Cell Concept yesterday. The SUV produces no tailpipe emissions, as clean water vapor is the only byproduct of fuel cell vehicles. The HyMotion makes 107 horsepower on fuel cell technology alone and showcases the automaker’s current progress into fuel cell research and development.
While the vehicle has been previously shown at last year’s Shanghai Motor Show, this marks the first time it has been demonstrated in North America. Previously, VW showed off its fuel cell technology in the larger Touran HyMotion SUV. An electric motor is integrated into the Tiguan HyMotion’s powertrain, boosting its total output to 134hp when required. With a full charge, the concept is capable of accelerating to 60mph from a standstill in approximately 14 seconds and reach a top speed of 93mph.
The electric motor is powered by a lithium ion battery with a capacity of 6.8 Ampere-hours. It can be recharged while on the move either by energy harnessed during braking, or the fuel cell. VW says the Tiguan’s cargo capacity is not compromised, as the 700 bar, 3.2kg hydrogen capacity tank sits under the cargo floor. Like more conventional hybrid-electric vehicles when running on electric power, the HyMotion operates nearly silently.
There is no word when VW expects to bring its fuel cell technology to market.
06/13, 4:54 PM
posted by:
mayer_ray_nagin
And in other news, Volkswagen RECALLS its zero emissions Tiguan HyMotion in U.S.
06/13, 5:14 PM
posted by:
pherarey
ka-boom… hydrogen under the passenger seats, nice location..
06/13, 7:02 PM
posted by:
NoNameDenton1
I think I prefer the truck Ford did that ran on 3 fuels.
06/13, 11:52 PM
posted by:
autonut
Hindenburg.
06/13, 11:57 PM
posted by:
NoNameDenton1
Oh please, with the technological advances since the Hindenburg that is very unlikely to happen.
06/14, 5:37 AM
posted by:
bayrider
Hydrogen doesn’t make sense. Electric cars are what automakers should be persuing.
06/14, 9:43 PM
posted by:
NoNameDenton1
bayrider, that is not a smart idea for the USA since every time we want to build a new powerplant for electricity, the tree huggers throw a fit and it never nets done, all that would happen is the price for electricity would go go up and it would strain the power grid.
06/16, 8:52 AM
posted by:
DeansterTJ
I saw a Tiguan on the road yesterday. Utterly forgettable design, and it looks even blander when it’s painted that nondescript grey/silver/champagne color.
06/16, 9:34 AM
posted by:
fan
youre worried about the hydrogen exploding? what exactly do you think current cars are running on? water? get a clue… hydrogen, when properly stored is LESS explosive then gasoline.
actually, the risk of a hydrogen-tank leaking/exploding in a crash is heading towards a zero percent propability, opposed to gasoline tanks…
plus… refueling a hydrogen-car is almost foolproof again opposed to gasoline…
06/24, 3:02 PM
posted by:
hanno
Currently there is no ultimate solution to the problem. Electric cars depend on batteries, which are toxic and have a relatively short live expectancy. Then there is the issue of how the electricity is generated, especially here in the US where coal is preferred over nuclear reactors. As for hydrogen, the process of generating it is also not very energy efficient, and a distribution infrastructure will have to be implemented from scratch. Bio-fuel from algae sounds promising…