Aberdeen becomes the first city to offer hydrogen cars for public use

Aberdeen City Council and car club partner Co-wheels have unveiled two Hyundai ix35 SUVs during a

special event. The city secured Transport Scotland funding to buy the cars with a view not only to

encouraging businesses and individuals to try out and buy hydrogen vehicles, but also as the next step in

building a hydrogen infrastructure in the city and extending the use of hydrogen-fueled transport in the

North-east and Scotland as a whole. Co-wheels will make the cars available for public use on a pay-as-

you-go basis later this year, following an initial testing period and a series of promotional events.

Lead member for hydrogen Councilor Barney Crockett said: “Today marks another important milestone

for Aberdeen and its future-focused Hydrogen Strategy. Once again we are demonstrating that by taking

the lead on developing and using new and innovative technologies, we can offer environmentally

friendly alternatives to traditional methods of transport which rely on fossil fuels. With these cars, we

are taking things to the next level, moving ever closer to becoming a world-leading renewable city and

securing a hydrogen economy in Aberdeen, presenting tangible opportunities to the energy industry.”

This event is the latest in a series of firsts for Aberdeen’s car club. In 2012, Co-wheels became the first

car club in the world to trial hydrogen cars, in partnership with Aberdeen City Council and Hyundai.

Managing director of Co-wheels Richard Falconer said: “Co-wheels has always pioneered cleaner and

greener travel options, and these hydrogen powered cars are another step toward improving air quality

and reducing CO2 emissions in the city.”

NGS INDIA