LA Preview: Kia to debut fuel cell-powered Borrego SUV
Apparently the production version of the Kia Soul won't be the only debut on the Kia stand next week in Los Angeles. Kia will also be featuring a version of its new Borrego SUV with electric drive and a hydrogen fuel cell. The fuel cell stack is the fourth generation of Hyundai's in-house developed system as in the i-Blue concept that appeared at last year's Frankfurt Motor Show. In the Borrego FCEV the stack will provide power for a 154 hp electric motor and the vehicle should have of about 315 miles. The new stack design is also expected to have cold starting capability down to -30o C. Kia is evidently planning a low volume production test using the Borrego FCEV in South Korea beginning in 2010, similar to what Honda has been doing with its FCX Clarity program.
[Source: Kia-World]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
gorr 6:13PM (11/12/2008)
They should take care of their customers. They make public tests and pr campain and then they end up saying we are not ready for fuelcell of hydrogen carburation... silly. They spend billions for nothing to sale and consumers have stop their expences on car buying because they are waiting for something interresting to buy because of the promises and there is nothing interresting right now to buy except the eco-fueler.
They should sell these fuelcell cars and trucks to normal customers but with a machine to make the hydrogen at home because almost no hydrogen gas bar exists.
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Chris M 9:31PM (11/12/2008)
Gorr, the reason why Kia is putting out this prototype is the same reason why they make concept cars that will never be produced - it's a type of self promotion to make them look "new" and "modern", also, all their competitors do it so they feel they've got to do it, too. The fact that the government is subsidizing the cost helps a lot.
None of the auto makers can sell fuel cell vehicles to "normal customers" as no normal customer will shell out a million dollars for it. Without an affordable H2 fuel cell car, there is no point of anyone shelling out $50,000 for a home H2 machine.
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gorr 10:29PM (11/12/2008)
http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/11/12/la-preview-kia-to-debut-fuel-cell-powered-borrego-suv/#c15553759
Even at the price you said fuelcell cars will find customers that will shell out 1 050 000$ for the car and the machine. Many rich peoples are living everywhere and have the money, so why not satisfy millionairs that want something new and more powerful and with a bigger range if they want.
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