energieportal24 - Hyundai Unveils First Hydrogen-Powered Tucson SUV

Hyundai Motor Co.'s fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) program unveiled its second-generation fuel cell vehicle, the Tucson FCEV, at the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show. The Tucson FCEV is Hyundai's first hydrogen-powered vehicle taking part in fleet operations. Mid of February Hyundai, UTC Fuel Cells and ChevronTexaco launched a hydrogen fleet and infrastructure project at Ceremony in Chino…

Hyundai's second-generation fuel cell vehicle is improved in almost every way. The Tucson FCEV has a driving range double that of Hyundai's first-generation vehicle, the Santa Fe FCEV. Maximum speed and power have both increased to improve the overall performance.

In a major technology breakthrough, the Tucson FCEV is one of the first fuel cell vehicles capable of starting in freezing temperatures. Testing has proven that the vehicle is capable of starting after being subjected to -20 degrees Celsius temperatures for five days. Other technical advancements include a higher output fuel cell and a new lithium ion polymer battery.

"These advances in our fuel cell electric vehicles are exciting steps forward for our program," said Kim Sang-Kwon, president of research and development for Hyundai-Kia Motors. "The Tucson FCEV is proof that Hyundai has significantly improved efficiency and quality control in the manufacturing process."

Only a few weeks later Hyundai in partnership with UTC Fuel Cells and ChevronTexaco unveiled a Hydrogen energy station at the Hyundai-Kia America Technical Center in Chino, Calif. The project is part of a Department of Energy-sponsored Hydrogen Fleet and Infrastructure Demonstration Validation Program.

The new Hydrogen energy station will fuel a fleet of five Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) based out of the Hyundai-Kia America Technical Center. Other fleets will be tested out of AC Transit in Oakland, Calif. and Southern California Edison over the duration of the program.

The Chino hydrogen energy station is part of a five-year U.S. Department of Energy cost-sharing program that is designed to demonstrate safe, practical hydrogen technologies in real-world settings. ChevronTexaco Technology Ventures is leading the project in collaboration with Hyundai Motor Co. and UTC Fuel Cells.
Photo: PRNewswire