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Hyundai's big concept for Geneva 2017 is this, the FE - it's a compact SUV concept running the latest version of Hyundai's hydrogen fuel cell system, and the Koreans claim that the system is 20 per cent lighter, ten per cent more efficient and 30 per cent more power-dense than the experimental system currently in use in a limited run of ix35 test cars. Hyundai says that the FE is the next step in its "ultimate ambition of creating a zero-emission Hydrogen Energy Society."
A compact crossover (think of it as a future Tucson, perhaps?), the FE's styling is said to be inspired by flowing water, not least because water is the only emission you get from a fuel cell. In fact, the FE takes water produced by combining hydrogen and oxygen in its fuel cell and uses it to hydrate the air conditioning system, making the cabin of the car more comfortable.
The extra efficiency of the fuel cell stack means that the FE can go further on one tank of hydrogen - Hyundai claims an 800km range - and it can also charge up a compact battery pack as it goes. That pack can then be removed and used in 'last-mile' electric transport, such as an e-bike.
Woong Chul Yang, Vice Chairman of Hyundai Motor Company, said: "Hyundai Motor has a heritage of building innovative, fuel-efficient vehicles that advance the automotive industry's environmental progress. Our FE Fuel Cell Concept is an important evolution of our pioneering hydrogen leadership, and moves us closer to our vision for a 'Hydrogen Society', where transportation is clean, efficient and enhances the lives of our customers."