Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell Helps Lead Effort to Raise Awareness as the First Mass-produced Fuel Cell Vehicle on the Road Today
Automotive manufacturers, environmental groups and government organizations are joining forces today, the first National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day, to raise awareness for zero-emissions fuel cell and hydrogen energy technologies. Hyundai, the first to offer a mass-produced fuel cell vehicle in the U.S. market, has made its Tucson CUV available in Southern California since June 2014. This early leadership in the zero-emissions hydrogen-powered segment has already reduced greenhouse gas emissions and improved air quality in the region.
More than 80 Tucson Fuel Cell hydrogen-powered vehicles have been delivered since its release last year, accumulating more than 700,000 zero-emissions miles on the streets and highways of Southern California. The presence of hydrogen stations is also rapidly rising with nearly 20 forecasted in 2015 and nearly 50 by the end of 2016.
“Hyundai is committed to hydrogen fuel cell leadership with the continued refinement of this technology in our vehicles,” said Michael O’Brien, vice president, Corporate and Product Planning, Hyundai Motor America. “Hydrogen fuel cell technology has tremendous potential to meet diverse consumer demands for impressive range, rapid refueling speed and scalability to a variety of vehicle types and sizes. Hyundai is proud to join other leaders today as we educate, inspire and encourage people to see the many benefits of hydrogen as a zero-emissions vehicle fuel.”
The 8th of October was chosen to observe National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day in recognition of the atomic weight of hydrogen (1.008) relative to its calendar abbreviation (10.08).
“The future is now,” said Morry Markowitz, president, Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association (FCHEA). “The industry has grown tremendously as fuel cell electric vehicles become available in the showroom, stationary applications continue to grow, and other markets, such as material handling, are taking off. Today we are celebrating the contributions fuel cell and hydrogen energy technologies have made towards our nation’s new energy future.”
