Hyundai i-Blue Fuel-Cell Vehicle Gets Serious About Hydrogen

Korean automaker Hyundai is no stranger to zero emission fuel cell technology. Hyundai initially demonstrated fuel cell capability to the world by packaging FCEV (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle) technology in the Santa Fe SUV back in 2000. Five years of development led to a second generation FCEV based on the Tucson platform in 2006, with power increased to 80 kW and lithium-polymer batteries added. This automaker’s fuel cell expertise has also been demonstrated at a mass transit level with fuel cell powered buses.

While utilizing the Santa Fe and Tucson did work well to forward the company’s fuel cell development program, packaging fuel cell technology into existing vehicle platforms has limitations that require engineers to accept compromises that can get in the way of optimum powertrain design. Recently, Hyundai moved beyond this with its introduction of an all-new, purpose-built FCEV concept that’s nothing less than stunning. The new Hyundai i-Blue was designed from the start to integrate the latest third generation fuel cell technology. According to Dr. Hyun-Soon Lee, Hyundai’s president of Research and Development, the i-Blue makes a tremendous leap forward for the automaker’s R&D program, with the company’s engineering team successfully designing a more compact fuel cell vehicle while retaining the safety, comfort, convenience, and driving range of a traditional internal combustion vehicle.

The i-Blue is a small “D” segment car, which Hyundai describes as a 2+2 crossover platform. Much more compact than the existing FCEV SUVs, i-Blue required significant engineering advancements. Downsizing requirements are addressed by the third generation fuel cell technology that enables placing the new and compact 100 kW fuel cell stack beneath the floor of the cabin, rather than in the engine compartment. Placement of the fuel cell and battery mass low and in the middle of the vehicle delivers an optimum 50-50 weight distribution and a low center of gravity for optimum handling dynamics.

This location frees up space in the engine compartment for greater cooling efficiencies and also allows a more cab-forward design for improved interior room. Hydrogen storage is handled by a pair of 10,000 psi tanks nestled in the frame kick-up behind the main passenger area. The hydrogen stored on-board allows a projected range of about 370 miles before refueling. Impressive, too, is the i-Blue’s estimated top speed of better than 100 mph.

Development of the i-Blue concept was handled at Hyundai’s Design and Technical Center in Chiba, Japan. Work on the third generation fuel cell technology is ongoing at the Hyundai
Eco-Technology Research Institute in Mabuk, Korea.

Visually, i-blue has a very sleek and sculpted form. According to Hyundai, the design team considered the Ying and Yang philosophy of TaeKuk, which balances opposite forces to create something new. In this case, two distinct shapes – the square and the circle – were melded to create the rhombus form of the main structure. The design is well suited for interior comfort while being aerodynamically efficient and very pleasing to the eye. As a crossover, i-Blue draws design cues from several different platforms. Evident are elements of SUV, minivan, and sporty compact car design. The leading edge clearly offers the look of the recent Hyundai Genesis concept car.

On the inside, i-Blue delivers a very high-tech cabin that’s intended to feel organic and natural. The design aims at providing a sort of jet fighter cockpit feel rather than the feel of a traditional automobile. That cockpit theme is further enhanced by the large windshield with an expanse of glass that carries well into the vehicle’s roofline above the front seat passengers. The driver sits in a deeply contoured bucket seat and is surrounded by a wraparound form that flows from the main instrument display.

The i-Blue has an aircraft inspired control yoke with touch-scroll pads so a driver can control various audio-visual systems while maintaining a hands-on-the-wheel position. Other interior innovations include a 3D heads up display (HUD) and a full surround camera system that displays exterior images on the dash for greater driver awareness. Rear seat passengers are treated to a wide and spacious cabin with seats that appear to draw their form from comfy video gaming chairs.

While not yet a drivable concept, i-Blue is a significant step in Hyundai’s fuel cell program. The company has ongoing fuel cell verification programs around the world and has been a member of the California Fuel Cell Partnership since 2000. In 2004, Hyundai partnered with Chevron and UTC to put a 32 vehicle fuel cell demonstration fleet on the road to promote FCEV technology and public acceptance. Hyundai has ambitious goals of mass production of fuel cell vehicles in the coming decade. With a concept like i-Blue, that future seems a little closer.