Kia’s first hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle will begin production in 2015, starting with a small run of around 1,000 units, in line with the present lack of refueling infrastructure, according to an engineer.
The carmaker is developing a portfolio of electrically powered vehicles, including hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery-electric models, but sees hydrogen fuel cells as its eventual goal, with mass production expected to begin in 2020 once the refueling infrastructure has expanded.
The Hydrogen fuel cell technology is being shared with Hyundai, which recently began series production of 1,000 ix35 FCEVs now being leased to fleets across Europe.
Kia is also preparing to launch its first electric vehicle sold outside Korea. The Soul EV will go on sale globally in the second half of 2014 and a version is being developed for European customers.
This offers a LEAF-rivalling 109 bhp and a range of over 180 km on a single charge, but will be available with either a new Combined Charging Standard plug in Europe, or CHAdeMo plug for Asian markets, allowing a full charge in 25 minutes.
Volumes are expected to be very small as Kia investigates demand. Just 30 Soul EVs will be brought to the UK at the end of next year, and Kia has yet to decide whether it will offer a leasing option for the batteries in the UK.
