- World premiere for new Sportage FCEV at Paris Motor Show

- New technologies boost performance of fuel cell electric vehicle

(SEOUL) September 22, 2004 -- Kia Motors Corporation’s fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) program takes a major step forward on September 23rd with the unveiling of the all-new Kia Sportage FCEV at the Paris Motor Show. 

Intensive research has resulted in numerous technical innovations ? including a higher output 80kW fuel cell and a new lithium ion polymer 152 volt battery ? which give the Sportage FCEV higher performance, a greatly extended driving range and cold-weather steering capability to operate in sub-zero temperatures.

The Sportage FCEV’s power plant is located in the normal engine bay and boasts an additional 5kW of power (compared to earlier research vehicles) to produce a peak output of 80kW and propel the vehicle to a top speed of 150 kph. With a 152-litre hydrogen storage tank located low, ahead of the rear wheels, the latest Kia research vehicle has a range of 300 kilometers.

“Entering this new phase of our program is really exciting,” commented Kim Sang-Kwon, President of Research and Development for the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group. “Now we will be able to build fuel cell electric vehicles in higher volumes for fleet testing and the latest Sportage FCEV drives us closer to the commercialization of fuel cell vehicles.” 

“Migrating our fuel cell technologies into a smaller, more compact vehicle presented many design challenges and I am confident that our engineers have met them all. With the new Sportage FCEV, Kia takes a big step towards our goal of developing a commercially viable zero-emissions vehicle based on fuel cell technology by 2010,” concluded Mr. Kim. 

Throughout the development of the conventionally-powered all-new Kia Sportage small SUV, which also makes its world debut in Paris, the fuel cell model (code named FKM) has been created in a parallel engineering program. Demonstrating its ability to conduct simultaneous engineering of both gasoline/diesel production models and fuel cell research vehicles, Kia will be able to significantly improve the efficiency and quality control of future fuel cell vehicle manufacturing processes.

The Sportage FCEV is equipped with hydrogen-powered fuel cells from UTC Fuel Cells of Hartford, Connecticut and a next generation hybrid-electric drive train, motor and control unit from Enova Systems of Torrance, California. 

Thanks to the use of lightweight aluminium body shell components, instead of the conventional Sportage’s all-steel construction, the Sportage FCEV has a power-to-weight ratio that is similar to the new production model SUV. The FCEV also retains the roomy cabin, low noise levels and overall driving refinement of its new gasoline/diesel-powered sibling.

Founded in 1944 and now celebrating its 60th anniversary, Kia Motors Corporation (www.kiamotors.com) is Korea’s oldest manufacturer of automobiles. As part of the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group, Kia is among the world’s fastest growing automobile companies and aims to be a top five global automaker by 2010. Kia’s 15 manufacturing and assembly operations in 12 countries make more than a million vehicles a year that are sold and serviced through a network of distributors and dealers covering 190 countries. Kia today has 30,000 employees and annual revenues of $12 billion. It is the major sponsor of the Australian Tennis Open and an international sponsor of the Davis Cup.

source: Kia