Hyundai tests hydrogen in its NEXO model thanks to Carburos Metálicos

In an important milestone for sustainable mobility in Spain, the Hyundai NEXO, the first fuel cell electric vehicle registered in our country, has carried out its first hydrogen refuelling at the facilities of Alsa in Torrejón de Ardoz, Madrid. This event marks a significant step forward in the adoption of environmentally friendly technologies in the transport sector.

The success of this operation has been made possible thanks to the installation of a hydrogen refuelling station by Carburos Metálicos, a leading company in the supply of renewable hydrogen and industrial gases in Spain. This station, the first in the Community of Madrid dedicated to public transport, has allowed the Hyundai NEXO to carry out its first refuelling at the Alsa facilities in Torrejón de Ardoz. This achievement demonstrates the commitment of Hyundai to the development of clean technologies and the drive towards a sustainable future.

Leopoldo Satrustegui, managing director of Hyundai Motor España, highlights the importance of companies such as Alsa and Carburos Metálicos backing zero-emission energy sources such as hydrogen: “To contribute to the development of a sustainable future, a firm commitment is needed from both the public and private sectors, and this is a clear example.”

Alsa, for its part, has been a pioneer in operating hydrogen-powered buses in Spain. In 2022, it became the first company to put into stable and permanent operation a bus of this type in Torrejón de Ardoz. This step is part of its commitment to leading the transition towards zero-emission fleets in the country. Alsa aims for all urban buses operating in Spain to be zero-emission by 2035.

Miquel Lope, managing director of Carburos Metálicos, underlines the experience and solutions that his company offers across the hydrogen value chain. From production to vehicle refuelling, Carburos Metálicos aims to contribute to the goal of achieving net-zero carbon balance by 2050.

Hyundai, at the forefront of hydrogen fuel cell technology

Hyundai has been a leader in the fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) industry since the 1990s. The company has devoted considerable effort to research and development of innovative technologies, which has allowed its new models to be highly energy-efficient and to reduce emissions to the maximum without compromising performance. In 2013, Hyundai became a pioneer by mass-producing the ix35 Fuel Cell, an unprecedented achievement in the automotive industry. Currently, Hyundai offers the most complete range of electrified vehicles on the market, including 100% battery electric vehicles, full hybrids, plug-in hybrids and the NEXO fuel cell vehicle.

Hyundai NEXO

The Hyundai NEXO stands out for two main advantages: its fast refuelling time and its commitment to zero emissions. Thanks to its regenerative braking system, the vehicle harnesses the energy generated when braking and stores it in its battery, which helps maintain its homologated range of over 600 km in perfect condition.

This model emits only water vapour, which earns it the CERO emissions environmental certification. This means the Hyundai NEXO can drive freely through any part of the city regardless of pollution levels, as it filters the air and removes microparticles so that the fuel cell operates efficiently.