Kia premiered its next-generation fuel-cell electric vehicle (FCEV) system fitted on the new Borrego at the Los Angeles International Auto Show. A number of improvements have allowed the system to develop an additional 47HP compared to the previous FCEV powertrains bumping peak output to 154HP. With a 202-liter hydrogen storage tank located underneath the Borrego and ahead of the rear wheels, Kia's latest research vehicle has a range of about 426 miles. The top speed of the Borrego FCEV is 100 mph (160 km/h) while the vehicle accelerates from zero to 60 mph (96 km/h( in 12.8 sec. Kia also claims a 'best-in-class system efficiency of 62 percent' which translates to 54 mpg U.S.

"Entering this new phase of our program is really exciting," said Dr. Hyun Soon Lee, president of research and development for the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group. "Now we will be able to build fuel cell electric vehicles in higher volumes and lower cost for fleet testing and the latest Borrego FCEV drives us closer to making fuel cell vehicles available for consumers."

Technical Specifications

Type: Fuel Cell + Supercapacitor

Fuel Cell Output: 154 horsepower (115kW)

Additional Power Output: 134 horsepower Supercapacitor (100kW)

Traction Motor Output: 147 horsepower (110kW)

Dimensions: 192.1 x 75.4 x 71.3 inches

Curb Weight: 4,960 pounds (2,250kg)

Max. Speed: 100 mph

Zero to 60 mph Acceleration: 12.8 seconds

Max. Distance: 426 miles with three tanks

Fuel economy: 54 mpg (EPA combined F/E)