(January 23, 2014) WASHINGTON — Hyundai is witnessing exceptionally strong consumer interest in its next-generation Tucson Fuel Cell CUV, with more than 88,000 unique visitors to its Hyundai.com fuel cell microsite since the program's November introduction.

Consumers selected for the program can drive the Tucson Fuel Cell for just $499 per month, which includes unlimited free hydrogen refueling and "At Your Service" valet maintenance at no extra cost. For the first time, retail consumers will be able to put a federally-certified hydrogen fuel cell vehicle in their driveways, with availability beginning in late spring at select Southern California Hyundai dealers.

"We're experiencing strong consumer interest to drive the Tucson Fuel Cell CUV," said Michael O'Brien, vice president, corporate and product planning, Hyundai Motor America.

"Hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicles represent the next generation of zero-emission vehicle technology, and we intend to be a leader in offering the mass-produced, federally-certified Tucson Fuel Cell to retail customers. The range and refueling speed of our Tucson Fuel Cell is superior to the range and charging limitations of competing battery electric vehicles. Even more, fuel cell technology is sure to increase the adoption rate of zero-emission vehicles, and everyone will receive the environmental benefits."

The Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell will initially be offered on a limited basis to customers in the Los Angeles/Orange County area for $499 per month for a 36-month term, with a $2,999 down payment. This includes the addition of a remarkable new addition to the Hyundai Assurance program — unlimited free hydrogen refueling.

"When we spoke to customers interested in driving a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, some wondered what the cost of hydrogen would actually be," said O'Brien. "To ease those concerns, we thought that covering this cost for early adopters in the monthly payment was the best approach, and consistent with our Hyundai Assurance program. It's yet another way of saying: 'This is another thing you don't have to worry about, at Hyundai, we've got your back.'"

In addition, Tucson Fuel Cell lessees will enjoy all the same services of the Hyundai Equus "At Your Service" valet program. As Equus owners have enjoyed since its introduction in 2010, should a Tucson Fuel Cell require any service, a Hyundai dealer will pick up the vehicle and provide a loan vehicle, then return the customer's car after service to their home or business, at no charge. Customers interested in the Tucson Fuel Cell can indicate their interest (the first step in the ordering process) beginning today by visiting Hyundai.com.

To achieve societal goals of significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, more and more consumers will need to drive zero-emissions vehicles. Currently, there's an ongoing debate about the future of the electric vehicle, with two schools of thought:

    Store more electricity on-board using more/larger batteries
    Create electricity on-board with hydrogen-powered fuel cell technology

Developed more than 100 years ago, the battery electric vehicle has made progress in recent years, with improved affordability and energy storage capability. But for most consumers, range anxiety and lengthy recharging time remain formidable obstacles to using them in their daily lives. In addition, affordable electric vehicle technology is best suited to smaller urban vehicles, not larger family and utility vehicles that many families require to meet all of their needs.

Because of the inherent weight and cost of batteries, and the chemistry and physics that drive slow recharge times, today's electric vehicles have practical limits for many consumers.

The Tucson Fuel Cell represents the next generation of electric vehicles – those that create their own electricity, on-board, from hydrogen. According to UCI's Advanced Power and Energy Program's 2013 study, the hydrogen fuel cell provides comparable well-to-wheel emissions as a battery electric vehicle. For the Tucson Fuel Cell driver, this social benefit is achieved with greater utility, versatility and without compromises. Consider:

    Driving range of 250-300 miles
    Capable of full refueling in under 10 minutes, similar to gasoline
    Minimal reduction in daily utility compared with its gasoline counterpart
    Instantaneous electric motor torque (221 lb-ft)
    Minimal cold-weather effects compared with battery electric vehicles
    Superb daily reliability and long-term durability