G. David Felt

Alternative Fuels & Propulsion writer

www.CheersandGears.com

Tucson Fuel Cell Leases Start!

Hyundai started today leasing the Tucson Fuel Cell CUV in California. These leases include fuel and maintenance for 36 months. The first one rolled off the lot according to Hyundai this morning.

36 – Month Lease

$2,999 due at lease signing

$499 a month

The Tucson is rated at 265 mile range on a tank full of Hydrogen. It takes 10 minutes to fully fuel the Tucson compared to current EVs that can take from 30 min with a level 3 charger to 14 plus hours on a 110V charging system.

California is allowing those with Fuel Cell auto’s to use the HOV lanes. Hyundai for the life of the lease will come to you were ever you are to pick up the auto for maintenance and return it with a full tank and detailed.

Hyundai gives the following powertrain information:

Powertrain

134HP @ 5000 rpm

221lb feet of torque @ 1000 rpm

Proton Exchange Membrane fuel cell with 12.4lb tank capacity at 10,000psi

Fuel Cell Power 100kW

Electric motor 100kW

Battery type Li-Polymer

Performance

Maximum speed 100mph

0-62 mph 12.5 seconds

Single speed Transmission

FWD MPG 49 / 51 / 50 = City / Highway / Combined

Dimensions

Overall Length – 173.6 inches

Overall Height – 65.2 inches

Overall Width – 71.7 inches

Head Room – 39.4 inches front, 39.1 inches rear

Safety Features

VSM – Vehicle Stability Management

ESC – Electronic Stability Control

TCS – Traction Control System

ABS – Anti-lock Braking System

BA – Brake Assist

HAC – Hillstart Assist Control

SRS – Advanced dual front airbags

SRS – Duel front seat-mounted side-impact airbags

For more details on how their car works and further questions with answers check out their new web page.

https://www.hyundaiusa.com/tucsonfuelcell?cid=sem&k_clickid=61cce0c1-5aac-3209-5a71-0000515618f1

After coming across the Hyundai Fuel Cell page and finding out today June 11th was the start of leases, I wondered what the cost was at the 20 hydrogen station in California. Prices run from $4-$5 a gallon. So the free fuel is a great deal for the people who lease these white autos. But does it make sense for these too expensive to sell auto's compared to the much lower cost of CNG autos? I also wonder how the public will respond to sitting on a 10,000 psi tank of Hydrogen.