Hyundai Begins U.S. Sales of Fuel-Cell Vehicles

Hyundai Motor Co. has begun leasing a small number of fuel-cell-powered Tucson crossovers in California.

The vehicles are being offered at $499 per month for three years, including unlimited hydrogen refueling and home pickup and delivery for maintenance.

Hyundai will produce the fuel-cell Tucson alongside the regular gasoline-powered model at the company's factory in Ulsan, South Korea.

The Hyundai-developed fuel cell system operates at near-ambient air pressure, unlike many designs that require a compressor to supply oxygen to the cell and enhance cooling. Hyundai says the low-pressure system is quieter and more efficient.

The fuel-cell Tucson stores gaseous hydrogen at pressures as great as 700 bar (10,000 psi). The tank holds 12.5 lbs of hydrogen, enough to power the Tucson's 100-kW fuel cell for about 275 miles. Refueling takes 10 minutes.

The vehicle's powertrain consists of a 135-hp electric motor and 0.95-kW lithium-ion buffer battery that provides short bursts of acceleration. Hyundai says the 4,100-lb Tucson will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in about 12 seconds. The vehicle has an Environmental Protection Agency energy-equivalent fuel economy rating of 49-mpg city and 51-mpg highway.

Hyundai will be joined in California next year by Honda and Toyota, who are introducing their own fuel cell vehicles for retail customers. All three hope to increase volume as the state adds more hydrogen fueling sites.

California has nine hydrogen stations now and is building 17 more. Last month the California Energy Commission began distributing $47 million in grants to add another 28 stations and deploy a mobile refueling rig.