2015 Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell Will Lease For $499 Per Month

The 2015 Hyundai Tucson fuel cell vehicle, commonly referred to as the world’s first mass-produced fuel cell car, has just been unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

Along with the reveal came an official announcement that the hydrogen-powered compact crossover vehicle will be offered to residents of the Los Angeles/Orange County region as a lease for $499 per month.

The leasing will begin in spring of 2014 and will be a 36-month term with $2,999 due at signing.

As part of the deal, owners will receive unlimited hydrogen refuels, as well as being given the “At Your Service Valet Maintenance” that Equus owners enjoy.

What that means is that Hyundai will send a representative and provide you with a loaner vehicle when your car is due to be serviced, all free of charge.

What exactly is it that powers the Tucson? An electric motor is in place to turn the heels, with the fuel-cell system serving as a replacement for the battery pack normally found in an electric car.

Production-Ready Tucson Fuel Cell Crossover Photos

 

The 2015 Tucson FCEV looks like the current gasoline-powered model. There are some styling tweaks made to the front fascia, but other than that, theexterior retains the original shape.

What’s under the hood, though, is a very different story! No engine, no emissions!

Electricity is generated using an electrochemical process:

1. Hydrogen enters the anode, air (oxygen) enters the cathode
2. Catalyst splits the hydrogen electrons and protons
3. Electrolyte conducts the positively-charged ions while blocking the electrons
4. Electrons are used to create an external circuit, generating electricity
5. Catalyst combines the hydrogen ions and electrons with oxygen to create water and heat energy
6. A single fuel cell produces approximately one volt; fuel cells are “stacked” to meet voltage requirements

2015 Tucson Driving Range

Hyundai has revealed that the Tucson FCEV will be able to have a driving range of 300 miles when running on a full tank of hydrogen.

There will be zero emissions, with water vapor the only by-product from the car. It takes less than 10 minutes to fill the car with hydrogen, which Hyundai believes is on a par with gasoline cars.

Another benefit pointed out by Hyundai are the miminal cold-weather effects when compared to electric vehicles.

The vehicle has gone through a rigorous testing process against crash, fire, and leak hazards.