To expand the market for alternative zero-emission electric vehicles, Hyundai Motor has started retail leasing of its hydrogen-powered Tucson crossover.
Recently, the company delivered the small sport-utility vehicle to Tim Bush, a Newport Beach, California-based insurance agent. It was the first of a mass-produced fuel-cell auto to a retail customer.
Hyundai is promoting the Tucson with a $499-a-month lease in California that includes unlimited hydrogen refueling for three years.
Hyundai will be followed in 2015 by Toyota Motor Corp. and Honda Motor Co. in marketing hydrogen vehicles to drivers in California, Japan, Korea and Europe.
The California Energy Commission is offering about $47 million for 28 new hydrogen stations, along with 10 already in operation and 16 more in development.
Source: Bloomberg News via The Detroit News
