Hyundai’s Tucson Fuel Cell Vehicle

Hyundai is offering a new twist with its 2005 Tucson SUV...fuel cell power, at least for demonstration purposes, anyway. Hyundai, UTC Fuel Cells, and Enova Systems are putting the finishing touches on the automaker's next generation fuel cell vehicle based on the Tucson SUV, redirecting efforts from the automaker's earlier Santa Fe fuel cell demonstrator. A replica of the Tucson fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) was displayed at this year's New York International Auto Show. Enova is optimizing the motor controller and electronics package from the current Santa Fe fuel cell vehicle for use in the Tucson version. The new UTC fuel cell system is located under the hood in the Tucson, rather than beneath the floor as was the case in the earlier Santa Fe demonstrator.

Importantly, the Tucson FCEV will be capable of starting and operating in sub-zero temperatures and driving range has been extended to 185 miles. This new phase of Hyundai's fuel cell development program will allow building vehicles in higher volumes for fleet testing and, according to Hyundai execs, also bring the automaker one step closer to the commercialization of fuel cell vehicles. Hyundai expects to place Tucson FCEVs in fleet use beginning as early as this year with limited consumer availability planned for 2010.