Kia calls for greater investment in UK hydrogen infrastructure

The call to invest more into hydrogen infrastructure follows a new report that says we could see 1.6 million hydrogen cars in the UK by 2030

Kia has called on the UK Government to come up with a long-term hydrogen vehicle strategy that includes a clear timeline for infrastructure projects. This comes after a new report concluded there could be as many as 1.6 million hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) on Britain’s roads by 2030. 

The research conducted by the Center for Future Studies found that in less than 15 years the UK car market could see more than 300,000 hydrogen cars sold each year, supported by 1,150 refueling sites. There are currently just 13 operational hydrogen refueling stations in the UK, with many reserved for University or research purposes, and eight planned for the near future. 

Speaking to Auto Express about the report’s findings, Paul Philpott, CEO of Kia UK, said: “We’d like to see [from the UK Government] some long-term strategy, with a clear timing plan for implementation.”

“There’s a lot of talk right now without any tangible plans for infrastructural change so that we can plan for our commercial introduction. It’s longer term and tangible plans that'd we'd like to see.”

The South Korean company previously announced its ambitious plans to introduce 22 new eco-friendly cars by 2020 and that plan includes the launch of a hydrogen car. Before the car goes on sale, however, the UK will have to increase its hydrogen refueling sites, as the current lack of options is partly what is driving consumers away from the technology. Toyota’s Mirai hydrogen car, introduced last year, has only sold 26 models so far.

To date, the UK Government has announced a £2 million fund to encourage more businesses to switch to hydrogen vehicles, and previously invested £6.6 million to build 12 hydrogen refueling stations across the country. 

But in comparison to other countries, the UK could be investing more. A Kia spokesman told Auto Express: “The Korean Government is committed to 40 hydrogen charging stations by 2020. This will provide sufficient geographical coverage for anyone to drive anywhere in the country.” 

The report also identified that electric car sales could account for a third of new cars sold globally by 2041, with EVs outselling conventional combustion-engined cars as early as 2027.

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Kia Soul Urban Launched in the UK

Starting this month Kia Motors is selling a new special edition version of the Soul in the British market. It is called Kia Soul Urban and according to the manufacturer it comes with enhanced styling and equipment level which means it offers greater value.

As such, Kia Soul Urban comes in only one trim level and two engines, including a 1.6 GDi petrol (130 hp) and a 1.6 CRDi diesel (134 hp). The petrol unit comes with a six-speed manual gearbox, but a 7-speed auto DCT gearbox is available for the diesel.

Slotting neatly in the middle of the range as a semi-premium model, Kia Soul Urban boasts black high gloss bumpers and rear and side sills and chrome inserts as part of its ‘SUV Pack’ for a more robust look, and features electric folding door mirrors with integrated LED indicators, LED rear combination and high level brake lights alongside front daytime running lights and privacy glass.

In terms of equipment, the Urban comes with 17” alloy wheels, black woven seats with yellow trim, soft touch material, black high gloss trim, DAB radio, Bluetooth and USB, and three metallic paint exterior colors of Clear White (solid), Caribbean Blue, Inferno Red and Quartz Black.

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New Kia Sportage Attracts 1,500 UK Buyers In First Weekend On Sale

Kia announced that its new SUV is already proving to be a hit in the United Kingdom.

With 1,500 customers putting down deposits in the first three days on sale, the fourth generation of the Sportage looks set to repeat its predecessor’s commercial success.

Not quite a surprise, as it has a sharper design, better quality, a range of engines that suit European customers' needs and modern features like Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

“The all-new Sportage is a significant step forward for Kia, both in terms of interior quality and dynamic refinement and sophistication – and clearly both existing and new customers recognise that fact”, Paul Philpott, President and Chief Executive of Kia UK commented. “Our dealers currently have only one worry – can we satisfy the demand? Well, both Kia in the UK and our factory in Slovakia are working flat-out to ensure we can.”

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