Hyundai has unveiled the new Tucson SUV, a hydrogen fuel cell crossover, at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
The company's new Tucson SUV will be the first hydrogen car to go for mass production and customers who have been waiting for a hydrogen-powered car may get to see the car in U.S. showrooms as early as February 2014.
"Hydrogen-powered fuel cell electric vehicles represent the next generation of zero-emission vehicle technology, so we're thrilled to be a leader in offering the mass-produced, federally certified Tucson Fuel Cell to retail customers," said John Krafcik, president and chief executive officer, Hyundai Motor America. "The superior range and fast-fill refueling speed of our Tucson Fuel Cell vehicle contrast with the lower range and slow-charge characteristics of competing battery electric vehicles. We think fuel cell technology will increase the adoption rate of zero-emission vehicles, and we'll all share the environmental benefits."
The South Korean car maker is expected to offer the latest hydrogen fuel cell Tucson SUV on lease for $2,999 down payment and 36 equal instalments of $499 a month. The lease agreement will also include fuel, maintenance and service. Customers who lease the Tucson SUV will also get $2,500 rebate from the state of California for zero-emission vehicles.
The California Air Resources Board indicated that there are currently only nine filling stations in California; however, authorities have already allocated $100 million, or $20 million a year, to build 100 more filling stations. Southern California will be the first to get hydrogen-powered Tucson SUV and the car will be available in other regions once filling station infrastructure is built.
At present electric power cars may be the focus for many car makers but Hyundai will be a step ahead with the release of the hydrogen-powered Tucson SUV early in 2014.
Hydrogen cars will also have advantage over its electric and gasoline counterparts. Compared to electric cars, drivers will not have to worry about running out of electricity and waiting for hours before the car is recharged again. The running cost of hydrogen cars will be cheaper than gasoline cars, as it is expected that it will cost drivers only $3 for the same distance covered by one gallon of gasoline.
Even though Hyundai will be the first auto maker to unveil a hydrogen-powered car, other companies like Toyota and Honda are also expected to launch hydrogen fuel cell cars in the near future.
