Minister hails hydrogen cars

Hyundai has increased its commitment to putting more hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicles on the roads after deploying five zero-emissions cars into an Australian state government’s fleet.

The Nexo SUV fleet for the Queensland state government is designed to drive public awareness of the eco-friendly motoring option across the ditch.

A Brisbane hydrogen station will provide the refuelling infrastructure and joins stations in Canberra and Melbourne, and Australia’s first hydrogen refuelling station at the Hyundai Motor Company headquarters in Sydney.

The Nexo is the first hydrogen-powered car available in Australia and its foray into Queensland adds to the rollout of 20 of the vehicles for the ACT government and emergency services earlier in the year.

Mick de Brenni, state Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen, says the new vehicles will demonstrate the potential of Hyundai’s technology with the aim of increasing the uptake of hydrogen as a clean energy source.

“It will demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of hydrogen for passenger vehicles and possibly lead the way for hydrogen’s roll-out to trucks, trains and marine applications,” he adds.

The move comes as the Queensland government aims to hit a target of zero net emissions by 2050, with the transport sector a key focus.

The Nexo offers a range of 666km (WLTP) with a refuelling time of three to five minutes and is the first government-certified fuel-cell electric vehicle for use on Australian roads.