Aberdeen City Council and Co-wheels has added two hydrogen fuel cell Hyundai ix35 SUVs to its car sharing programme.

Operated by Co-wheels, and already featuring electric vehicles, the new cars will be available for the public and businesses to hire for short term use.

Lead member for hydrogen Councillor 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.

Crockett, who chairs the European hydrogen association HyER, added: "Aberdeen is developing a reputation as a 'can-do' hydrogen city. The Aberdeen Hydrogen Bus Project, which attracted £21million of investment into the city, saw the deployment of Europe's largest hydrogen bus fleet on our streets.

"Aberdeen is renowned as an energy city and for being keen to drive forward new energy technologies and work with countries across the world to secure its future as an energy leader.

"With these cars, we are taking things to the next level, moving ever closer to becoming a world-leading renewables city and securing a hydrogen economy in Aberdeen, presenting tangible opportunities to the energy industry."

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.

"We are delighted to be working with Aberdeen City Council to enable residents, council staff and local businesses access to this cutting-edge green driving technology."

The cars are being put through their paces during an initial phase of testing before Co-wheels makes them available for business and public use.

The Hyundai ix35 boasts similar levels of convenience and performance to conventional internal combustion cars.

Once in full operation, the Hyundais will be fuelled using locally-produced hydrogen.

The city already operates a fleet of hydrogen-powered buses.

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