2015 Hyundai Tucson Fuel-cell Vehicles Land in California

Another automaker is about to join the fuel-cell fray, as the first 2015 Hyundai Tucsons to run solely on hydrogen are now on the ground in California. Most will stay there, too, since Hyundai will launch its first mass-produced fuel-cell vehicle in the Los Angeles/Orange Country area, with further retail rollouts slated to happen in a manner "consistent with the accelerating deployment of hydrogen refueling stations."

That will be less of a problem for customers in Southern California, however, since the fuel-cell-powered 2015 Hyundai Tucson includes unlimited free hydrogen refueling as part of its lease terms. Speaking of which, the high-efficiency Hyundai will require $2,999 down and 36 monthly lease payments of $499, but the money also covers the same premium valet service as that featured for the range-topping Hyundai Equus, complete with complementary loaner and dealer drop-off/delivery at the customer's preferred location.

The party line from Mike O’Brien, vice president, corporate and product planning for Hyundai Motor America: “Hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicles represent the next generation of zero-emission electric vehicle technology, and we’re proud of our leadership role in this important segment of the alternative fuel vehicle market. The range and refueling time of our 2015 Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell compare favorably with gasoline vehicles, making them a seamless transition from traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. We’re excited to provide customers in Southern California a way to transition to a zero-emission vehicle with minimal compromises.”