16/06/08

Volkswagen Tiguan HyMotion

A look at the most advanced fuel cell prototype of the German group

Fotogallery A look at the most advanced fuel cell prototype of the German group
The state of the art of hydrogen and zero-emission research is represented by the Tiguan Hymotion that Volkswagen has recently shown off in the USA after being exhibited at the Shanghai Motor Show 2007. It is a very advanced concept, equipped with a fuel cell system which generates 107 horsepower with zero tailpipe emissions.

It has got many technical features similar to the Touran Hymotion’s, for example the electric motor which assists the fuel cells and recharges thanks to a stack of lithium batteries, thus generating 22 additional kw. In terms of performance the car reaches a maximum speed of 150 km/h and takes less than 14 seconds from standstill to 100 km. It has also got a regenerative brake system which, recovering energy while slowing down, enhances the car’s range. The 700 bar tanks, located below the floor and in the cargo area, can be filled with 3.2 kg of hydrogen.

However, the Tiguan HyMotion is just part of the German group’s wider strategy which aims at reducing the environmental impact by means of improvements of the traditional combustion engines and introducing the hybrid system by 2010 (similar to the one the Golf is equipped with) as well as improving the cars’ acceleration as a consequence of the joint-venture established with Sanyo based on the production of lithium batteries.