Members of Congress, Department of Energy Tout Importance of Fuel Cell Technology
WASHINGTON,
D.C., Sept. 16, 2014 – Today, Hyundai
collaborated with the House Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Caucus and the Department of
Energy to highlight the introduction of the first mass-produced fuel cell
vehicles in the U.S. retail market. In a briefing organized by the House
Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Caucus, Hyundai executives, Members of Congress, and an
official from the Department of Energy discussed the innovative and clean
technology that powers hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and the need for additional
hydrogen infrastructure in the United States.
“Hyundai is thrilled to
partner with leaders in Congress and the Department of Energy to promote the
continued development and commercialization of these clean energy
technologies,” said Kathleen Hennessey, vice president, government affairs for
Hyundai Motor Company. “We look forward to continuing to work together with
groups like H2USA, the public-private partnership launched by the Energy
Department, to find ways to advance hydrogen infrastructure to support more
transportation energy options – like fuel cell vehicles – for our consumers
here in the United States.”
In
June 2014, Hyundai became
the first automaker to offer for lease in the United States a mass-produced
fuel cell vehicle. Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell lessees can now drive Hyundai’s
next-generation Tucson Fuel Cell for just $499 per month, including unlimited
free hydrogen refueling and At Your Service Valet Maintenance at no extra cost.
“We
are very proud to offer our customers a no-compromise solution with the Hyundai
Tucson Fuel Cell’s zero-emission technology, quick refueling, spacious
interior, and great lease program,” said Gil Castillo, Hyundai’s senior manager
for alternative vehicle strategy.
House
Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Caucus Co-Chair Representative John Larson, a longtime
advocate for fuel cell technology, has spearheaded federal efforts to
accelerate the deployment of fuel cell and hydrogen energy technology through
infrastructure and investment tax credits. Larson commented, “Fuel cells and
hydrogen energy are a key to utilizing cleaner, domestic energy sources. As the
nation’s hub for fuel cell manufacturing, Connecticut is poised to take
advantage of the exciting developments taking place in this industry such as
the introduction of the Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell Vehicle. From ending our
dependence on foreign oil, reducing harmful emissions, and spurring American
manufacturing, fuel cells will play a critical role in solving some of our most
pressing problems. I applaud automakers such as Hyundai for investing in this
incredible technology.”
Fellow
Caucus Co-Chair Representative Charles Dent added, “I applaud Hyundai for their
commitment to the deployment of hydrogen fuel cell cars in real numbers so that
the public can realize that the potential of this technology is real. I am very
proud of Air Products, based in my district, for working with Hyundai to
promote the deployment of hydrogen fueling stations where any gas station
customer will feel right at home.”
FUEL
CELL PRICING AND BENEFITS
The Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell is
being offered to customers in the Los Angeles/Orange County region for a
36-month term at $499 per month, with $2,999 down. This includes the addition
of a remarkable benefit – unlimited free hydrogen refueling. Consumers can
learn more about the Tucson Fuel Cell leasing opportunity by visiting the
Tucson Fuel Cell microsite at hyundaiusa.com/tucsonfuelcell.
“When
we spoke with customers about fuel cell vehicles, many wondered about the cost
of hydrogen,” explained Zuchowski. “To ease those concerns as the hydrogen
refueling network builds out, we decided that covering this cost for these
early adopters was appropriate, and consistent with how we like to treat our
customers.”
In
addition, Tucson Fuel Cell owners enjoy similar services enjoyed by Hyundai Equus owners, such
as At Your Service Valet Maintenance at no extra cost. 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 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) by visiting Hyundai.com. Availability of the Tucson
Fuel Cell will expand to other regions consistent with the accelerating
deployment of hydrogen refueling stations.
TUCSON
FUEL CELL ADVANTAGES
Hyundai introduced its Tucson
Fuel Cell to alleviate the limitations of traditional battery electric
vehicles. The Tucson Fuel Cell maintains the day-to-day flexibility of the
gasoline-powered Tucson, so that its driver is able to immediately enjoy the
next generation of electric vehicles without range or recharge-time compromises
to their lifestyle.
The
Tucson Fuel Cell represents the next generation of electric vehicles – those
that create their own electricity, on-board, from hydrogen. According to the
University of California, Irvine Advanced Power and Energy Program’s 2013
study, the hydrogen fuel cell provides comparable total well-to-wheel emissions
to 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 265 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
Minimal cold-weather effects compared with
battery electric vehicles
Superb daily reliability and long-term
durability
No moving parts within the
power-generating fuel cell stack
More than two million durability test
miles on Hyundai’s fuel cell fleet since 2000
Extensive crash, fire and leak testing
successfully completed
Quieter EV operation
Zero greenhouse-gas emissions, emits only
water vapor
The
Tucson Fuel Cell began mass production for the U.S. market in April 2014 at the
Ulsan, Korea assembly plant that also manufactures the Tucson gasoline-powered
CUV. Manufacturing the Tucson Fuel Cell at the same plant allows Hyundai to
leverage both the high quality and cost-efficiency of its popular
gasoline-powered Tucson platform.
HYDROGEN
RENEWABLE ENERGY SOLUTIONS
The
benefits of hydrogen are well known - required supplies for the U.S. market can
be produced domestically and its supply is virtually unlimited. It can be
produced by varied means - including renewable sources such as biogas. Hydrogen
can even be sourced directly from water, using electrolysis to split hydrogen
molecules with electricity from renewable energy sources such as wind and
solar.
Further
supporting hydrogen infrastructure development, California approved a plan in
October 2013 to develop up to 100 hydrogen refueling stations in the state over
the next several years. This recent California initiative dovetails with
increased government support of hydrogen infrastructure development at the
federal level, such as H2USA. In addition, the California Energy Commission recently
announced proposed awarding of $44.5 million for the development of 28 new
hydrogen stations (plus one mobile refueler), bringing the total number of
hydrogen fueling stations (open, in-development, and proposed) to over 50
stations.
FUEL
CELL TECHNOLOGY: HOW IT WORKS
Hyundai’s
fuel cell effectively replaces the battery pack used in an electric vehicle by
generating electricity from hydrogen through an electrochemical process that
does not involve hydrogen combustion, with no moving parts within the fuel cell
stack.
The
fuel cell electrochemical process is as follows:
Hydrogen enters the anode, air (oxygen)
enters the cathode
Catalyst splits the hydrogen electrons and
protons
Electrolyte conducts the positively-charged
ions while blocking the electrons
Electrons are used to create an external
circuit, generating electricity
Catalyst combines the hydrogen ions and
electrons with oxygen to create water and heat energy
A single fuel cell produces approximately
one volt; fuel cells are “stacked” to meet voltage requirements
HYUNDAI
MOTOR AMERICA
Hyundai
Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of
Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the
United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more
than 820 dealerships nationwide. All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are
covered by the Hyundai Assurance program, which includes the 5-year/60,000-mile
fully transferable new vehicle limited warranty, Hyundai’s 10-year/100,000-mile
powertrain limited warranty and five years of complimentary Roadside
Assistance. Hyundai Blue Link Connected Care provides owners of Hyundai models
equipped with the Blue Link telematics system with proactive safety and car
care services complimentary for one year with enrollment. These services
include Automatic Collision Notification, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Vehicle
Diagnostic Alert, Monthly Vehicle Health Report and in-vehicle service
scheduling.
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