HYUNDAI has teamed up with UTC Fuel Cells to develop a hydrogen fuel cell which is able to operate in freezing temperatures and will take the system nearer to operational use with fleets next year.

Traditional hydrogen power cells produce water which freezes at low temperatures, rendering the cell inoperable.

Dong Jim Kim, president and chief executive officer at Hyundai, said: 'By 2004 Hyundai will be testing and evaluating the performance of fuel cell vehicles in fleet applications, allowing us to further refine the application of fuel cells for everyday transportation.'