The first Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell crossover was handed over to a U.S. customer in Tustin, California. Timothy Bush, the first owner of the Hyundai Fuel Cell, said he’s excited about driving a zero-emission vehicle.

“What’s great about the Tucson CUV is that its day-to-day utility is virtually identical to the gasoline version, so we don’t have to compromise our lifestyle in the process,” said Bush.

Like all Tucson Fuel Cell lessees, he can drive the car for $499 per month for a 36-month term, with a $2,999 down payment at the beginning of the contract. The monthly fee includes unlimited free hydrogen refueling and ‘At Your Service Valet Maintenance’ at no extra cost. The latter includes free pick up and return of the vehicle for service maintenance and a loan vehicle.

The Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell is currently available at three select southern California Hyundai dealers: Win Hyundai in Carson, Tustin Hyundai, and Hardin Hyundai in Anaheim.

“The range and refueling speed of our new Tucson Fuel Cell compares favorably with gasoline vehicles, making them a seamless transition for our customers from traditional gasoline vehicles,” Dave Zuchowski, president and chief executive officer, Hyundai Motor America.

The Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell has a driving range of 265 miles (426 km) and can be refueled in under 10 minutes, similar to gasoline powered models. Production of the vehicle for the U.S. market began in April 2014 at the Ulsan, Korea assembly plant.

By Dan Mihalascu

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