Hyundai says it has handed over the keys to its first mass-produced Tucson hydrogen-powered Fuel Cell CUV.
The keys to the vehicle were handed over to Timothy Bush, the first Hyundai Fuel Cell customer, by Tustin (California) Hyundai’s Dealer Principal, John Patterson.
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“My family is certainly excited to be doing their part in driving a zero-emission vehicle that benefits the environment, and at the same time, reduces our nation’s dependence on imported fuels,” said Mr. Bush. “What’s great about the Tucson CUV is that its day-to-day utility is virtually identical to the gasoline version, so we don’t have to compromise our lifestyle in the process; I can easily fit all of our family’s things in the back. The attractive $499 lease rate with unlimited free hydrogen fuel made the decision to drive a fuel cell even easier.”
“Hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicles represent the next generation of zero-emission vehicle technology, and we’re thrilled to be a leader in offering the mass-produced Tucson Fuel Cell to our first retail customer,” said Dave Zuchowski, president and chief executive officer, Hyundai Motor America. “The range and refueling speed of our new Tucson Fuel Cell compares favourably with gasoline vehicles, making them a seamless transition for our customers from traditional gasoline vehicles. We’re sure that fuel cell technology will increase the adoption of zero-emission vehicles, and that everyone will benefit. The commitment of the State of California and their support in creating a hydrogen fueling infrastructure has been an important part of our decision to offer this fuel cell vehicle to the public.”
The Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell will initially be offered to customers in the Los Angeles/Orange County region for a 36-month term at $499 per month, with $2,999 down. This includes unlimited free hydrogen refuelling, Hyundai says.
Hyundai says that the Tucson Fuel Cell has a driving range of 265 miles and is capable of full refuelling in under 10 minutes. The State of California approved a plan in October 2013 to develop up to 100 hydrogen refuelling stations in the state “over the next several years”. This recent California initiative dovetails with increased government support of hydrogen infrastructure development at the federal level, such as H2USA. In addition, the California Energy Commission recently announced proposed awarding of $44.5 million for the development of 28 new hydrogen stations (plus one mobile refueller), bringing the total number of hydrogen fuelling stations (open, in-development, and proposed) to over 50 stations.
The Tucson Fuel Cell began mass production for the US market in April 2014 at the Ulsan, Korea assembly plant that also manufactures the Tucson gasoline-powered CUV.
