Saturday, November 15, 2014

HYUNDAI TUCSON FUEL CELL A FINALIST FOR 2015 GREEN SUV OF THE YEAR



Hyundai’s Tucson Fuel Cell, the first mass-produced fuel cell vehicle available for consumer lease, was named a finalist for Green Car Journal’s 2015 Green SUV of the Year™. The Green SUV of the Year™ winner will be announced at a press conference during the Washington Auto Show in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 22, 2015.

“SUVs and crossover vehicles are an important part of the automotive landscape, serving the needs of a wide-ranging demographic, including families, recreational and sports enthusiasts, and really anyone needing the functionality and versatility this kind of vehicle offers,” said Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of Green Car Journal and CarsOfChange.com. “It’s imperative that these vehicles also offer greater efficiency and improved environmental impact, something the Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell clearly accomplishes.”

As a Green SUV of the Year™ finalist, the Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell is also distinguished with Green Car Journal’s 2015 Green Car Product of Excellence honor.

Green Car Journal’s vetting process considers a wide range of SUVs and crossovers to determine their environmental advantages and breakthroughs, and then narrows the field to five finalists. The overarching goal is to identify nominees that move personal transportation in a more environmentally positive direction without sacrificing the joy of driving or the functionality expected of an SUV or crossover. Fuel efficiency, lightweighting, advanced drivetrain technologies, use of alternative or clean fuels, and more are considered during the process. Finalists must be available for sale by January 1st of the award year.

“Being a finalist for Green SUV of the Year™ is reinforcement on the role fuel cell technology plays in emission-free transportation today and into the future,” said Mike O’Brien, vice president of corporate and product planning, Hyundai Motor America. “The Tucson Fuel Cell is a seamless transition from gasoline-powered vehicles with comparable range and refueling times. Our customers in Southern California are taking advantage of these benefits and are having an extremely positive experience. We are excited by the growing hydrogen fueling infrastructure and getting more consumers behind the wheel.”

Hyundai’s next-generation Tucson Fuel Cell CUV can be leased for just $499 per month, including unlimited free hydrogen refueling and At Your Service Valet Maintenance at no extra cost. Consumers in Southern California can put a hydrogen fuel cell CUV in their driveways with availability at three select Hyundai dealers: Win Hyundai in Carson, Tustin Hyundai, and Hardin Hyundai in Anaheim.

Hyundai’s fuel cell technology effectively replaces the battery pack used in an electric vehicle by generating electricity from hydrogen. This is done through an electrochemical process that does not involve hydrogen combustion, with no moving parts within the fuel cell stack. It alleviates the limitations of traditional battery electric vehicles and maintains the day-to-day flexibility of the gasoline-powered Tucson. Drivers are able to immediately enjoy the next generation of electric vehicles without range, recharge-time or utility compromises.

No comments: