UTC Fuel Cells (South Windsor, CT), a part of United Technologies Corp. (South Windsor, CT), and Hyundai Motor Co. (Seoul, Korea) have signed an agreement to jointly develop a new automotive fuel cell power plant capable of operating in freezing conditions. The agreement calls for Hyundai and UTC Fuel Cells to work jointly to develop a freeze-capable fuel cell power plant and integrate it into a Hyundai sport utility vehicle platform. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
UTC Fuel Cells and Hyundai have worked together on fuel cell vehicle development since 2000, when the companies unveiled the first Hyundai Santa Fe fuel cell SUV at the California Fuel Cell Partnership opening ceremonies. A total of six Hyundai fuel cell Santa Fe prototypes were produced under the previous agreement. The goal of Hyundai's fuel cell program is to produce a fuel cell vehicle that appeals to consumers, is environmentally friendly and accelerates the development of a sustainable energy society. Hyundai expects to place fuel cell vehicles into fleet applications beginning as early as 2004, with limited consumer availability planned for 2010.
