Hyundai is reportedly working on the successor to the Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell, which will improve the fuel cell SUV's range by 30 percent from 265 miles to 348 miles on a single full tank.
The first-generation Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell, released in June 2014, is now the most expensive vehicle of its kind, with less single-fill range compared to its competitors. Will the second-generation Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell be able to challenge other fuel cell vehicles in the market and the Tesla Model X electric SUV?
Second-Gen Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell Details
Hyundai is said to be looking to release the second-generation Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell by January 2018, with the aforementioned 348-mile range on a filled hydrogen tank.
The 30 percent range increase on a full hydrogen tank to 348 miles is a huge advantage for the second-generation model for the Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell. At such expected distances, range anxiety might not seem like a significant issue, but the problem lies in the fact that fuel refilling stations are much harder to come by, compared to how easy it is for electric vehicles to recharge.
Hyundai is also said to be looking to keep the price of the second-generation Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell at a reasonable level of about 60 million South Korean won, which is equivalent to about $50,000. With subsidies provided by the United States government, the actual price of the vehicle will be brought even lower.
The current Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell is currently only available in California, with customers only able to lease the vehicle for a monthly fee of $499 and a term of three years. It is not known if Hyundai will make the second-generation model available only in the same state and in similar terms.
Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell Comparisons
The upcoming fuel cell SUV's range is better compared to the Toyota Mirai, which has a listed range of only 312 miles, but is slightly lower compared to the listed range of 366 miles for the Honda Clarity Fuel Cell. However, customers might be drawn to the second-generation Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell despite the Honda Clarity Fuel Cell promising longer range due to the SUV form factor of Hyundai's offering.
As an SUV that is powered by an alternative fuel source, the second-generation Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell will also be much less expensive compared to the Tesla Motors Model X, as prices for the electric SUV start at $80,000.
The question, of course, is whether Hyundai will be able to deliver its promised range and release date for the second-generation Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell. If the company does, it will have an SUV that will be able to challenge other fuel cell vehicles and the Tesla Model X, but only if competitors do not make significant improvements to their own offerings by January 2018.
