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Hydrogen stations that don't work putting a dent in H2 lifestyle

Hydrogen is the most plentiful element in the universe, but it's not abundant enough for some hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle drivers. Southern California lessees of models such as the Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell SUV are taking to Facebook to voice their complaints about out-of-order fuel cell stations, Green Car Reports says. In many cases, the lack of hydrogen supply has made the cars effectively undriveable. For Tucson Fuel Cell owners, the hydrogen is supposed to be free and unlimited, but Hyundai doesn't manage the stations. One Orange County lessee of a Tucson fuel-cell vehicle hasn't driven the car for over a month because the trio of nearby stations are out of commission. Additionally, some of the stations that do work can only provide about a half-tank worth of hydrogen, once again putting a crimp the driving range of the hydrogen car. California is home to 10 of the dozen public hydrogen refueling stations in the country (there's one each in Connecticut and South Carolina), according to US Department of Energy figures. These sorts of challenges can't help Hyundai's hydrogen efforts. Last month, it was reported that Hyundai has sold fewer than 300 fuel cell vehicles worldwide during the past three years, including about 70 through the first five months of this year. The South Korea-based automaker has said it wants to sell 1,000 fuel-cell vehicles globally by the end of 2015. Fuel-cell drivers and advocates alike are hoping that Toyota will change the game when its Mirai hydrogen vehicles start hitting California roads later this year. Toyota confirmed in May that Mirai US sales would start in October in eight California dealerships. The Northeast is on tap for 2016. Related Video:

Hyundai and Kia adding Google Maps API to nav systems

Hyundai's Blue Link and Kia's UVO infotainment systems will be adding three Google features: Send2Car, Point of Interest Search and Local Search by Voice. Send2Car lets travelers send destinations to their vehicle's navigation system from a computer or via a mobile phone app, and the POI and local searches are continuously updated in Google Places' database. The new data service integrations mean that drivers will have more access to more destinations and be able to find them more quickly.
Hyundai hasn't said when the new features will debut nor on what model. Kia buyers will find them introduced on the 2014 Kia Sorento expected to roll into dealerships shortly, with the Forte sedan following. You'll find a press release on the updates below.

Hyundai Elantra interior teased

Hyundai doesn't seem too concerned about keeping the next-gen Elantra a secret. Following a recent teaser image of the updated exterior, the Korean company is now giving the world a look at the inside of its upcoming sedan. Similar to the outside, this monochrome rendering shows a minimalist overhaul for the interior. The controls are limited to a few buttons near the gearshift, some nobs on the center stack, and the functions on the steering wheel. The infotainment system is positioned at the center of the dashboard and is flanked by the HVAC vents. For a slight visual flourish, the dash wears a two-tone finish with a lighter shade on the bottom. A piece of trim stretches across the whole width to break up the colors. Hyundai confirmed the next-gen Elantra's debut at the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show in November. That leaves a lot of time for even more teasers. Rumors suggest the powertrain range might include a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder, which produces 175 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque in the 2016 Tucson.