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Tucson hydrogen fuel cell CUV will allow Hyundai to sell more dirty cars

With the first Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell Vehicle deliveries happening soon (a bit later than expected), it's time for the Korean automaker to explain why it's offering the H2 CUV here in the states. After all, there are only 10 public hydrogen stations in the US today, according to the DOE, so it can't be to take over the market. According to a Hyundai exec, the reason we are getting the Tucson Fuel Cell is to make up to $130,000 through California's ZEV credit system. "We really don't make any money out of selling the fuel cell vehicles for now" – Byung Ki Ahn According to Wards Auto, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) will give the automaker up to 26 points worth of zero emission vehicle (ZEV) credits for each of the $499/month hydrogen Tucson leased through the 2017 model year. Those credits could be worth up to $130,000 to Hyundai. Byung Ki Ahn, Hyundai's director of the fuel cell group, told Wards Auto that, "We really don't make any money out of selling the fuel cell vehicles for now. ... So just by selling the fuel cell (vehicle) we could get a lot of credit points, which you could sell at a later time if you want, like Tesla does. It could be a good business model." Ahn clarified that Hyundai does not plan to cash in on those credits, but to use them to offset the rest of its vehicle lineup. Other automakers also participate in the ZEV credit system, of course, but if Anh's numbers are correct, then fuel cell vehicles earn more credits than battery electric vehicles do, so if you want to earn a lot of credits, hydrogen is a good way to go. You can find more details over at Wards Auto. *This post has been updated to mention other automakers using the ZEV scheme.

First hydrogen Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell CUVs arrive in California

These crossovers are not available in showroom quite yet, but the first batch of Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell vehicles has made it to California. Hyundai is promising retail availability, "within the next several weeks," which means early June or so for the $499/month CUVs. We previously heard in January that these hydrogen-powered Tucsons were supposed to be in US customers' hands by the end of March, so things are running behind schedule. Still, the delivery at a port near Los Angeles marks the "first delivery of a mass-produced fuel cell vehicle for the US market," Hyundai says, which could be a big deal when we look back at the evolution of hydrogen-powered vehicles in the US (though we're guessing at least one other manufacturer might object to the Korean automaker's claim). Mike O'Brien, vice president, corporate and product planning for Hyundai Motor America, is certainly upbeat, saying in a statement that Hyundai is "proud of our leadership role in this important segment of the alternative fuel vehicle market." So far, that's a segment that the company has almost all to itself. There are a very small number of hydrogen vehicles around today, including the Honda FCX Clarity and a few test vehicles from other automakers, but the numbers are set to grow next year when Toyota and Honda introduce new hydrogen sedans. For now, though, Hyundai can make a splash simply by bringing these vehicles to our shores. Hyundai's First Mass-Produced Tucson Fuel Cell CUVs Arrive In Southern California Tucson Fuel Cell, the Next-Generation Electric Vehicle, Arrives at Port Hueneme With Retail Availability Soon PORT HUENEME, Calif., May 20, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, at a port near Los Angeles, Hyundai's Tucson Fuel Cell CUVs began rolling onto U.S. soil, marking the first delivery of a mass-produced fuel cell vehicle for the U.S. market. The first retail sale of the Tucson Fuel Cell is expected within the next several weeks in Southern California. Under the Hyundai leasing program, approved lessees can drive Hyundai's next-generation Tucson Fuel Cell for just $499 per month, including unlimited free hydrogen refueling and "At Your Service" valet maintenance at no extra cost. For the first time, retail consumers can now put a mass-produced, federally-certified hydrogen fuel cell vehicle in their driveways, with availability at three select southern California Hyundai dealers: Tustin Hyundai, Win Hyundai in Carson, and Hardin Hyundai in Anaheim.

Hyundai Ioniq blends familiar cues with futuristic design

Hyundai is preparing to unveil its first dedicated electrified vehicle. Called the Ioniq, it's set to launch at the Geneva Motor Show this March. Now, the Korean automaker is giving us an idea of what to expect with a series of teaser renderings. As you can see from the first image in the slideshow above, the exterior design of the Ioniq announces the environmentally friendly powertrain at its heart. That means an aerodynamically optimized shape to cut through the wind with a minimum of interference. The greenhouse tapers off to a high tail not unlike those seen on the Toyota Prius and Chevy Volt – whose drivers Hyundai will seek to attract with this new model. The wheels also appear to adopt an aero-focused design, but signature Hyundai design traits are still evident, from the hexagonal grille to the upward kink in the C-pillar. Inside the cabin promises a forward-looking but comfortable space with simple rounded surfaces. Cool blue trim sets the mood, and screens in the instrument cluster and the center of the dashboard reduce clutter and display vital information. The manufacturer says it's using "eco-friendly materials to convey a futuristic yet warm cabin ambiance that will appeal to a new generation of motorists." The Ioniq will offer a choice of three powertrain options with varying degrees of electrification: a gasoline-electric hybrid, a plug-in hybrid, and full electric propulsion. It's rare for an automaker to offer all three choices. Most electrified vehicles come in conventional and hybrid versions (like Hyundai's own Sonata), hybrid and plug-in hybrid (like the Prius), or even plug-in or fully electric variants (like the BMW i3). Hyundai is slated to unveil the Ioniq in Korea next month ahead of its auto show tour, so watch this space for more. CLASS-LEADING AERODYNAMICS AND STRIKING DESIGN DETAILS FOR HYUNDAI MOTOR'S NEW ALTERNATIVE-FUEL IONIQ - Teaser rendering highlights eye-catching silhouette and design details - Sleek and simple exterior reduces aerodynamic drag for greater efficiency - Elegant interior combines environmentally-friendly materials and flexible space December 16, 2015 – A new rendering of Hyundai Motor's all-new IONIQ hints at how the innovative, alternative-fuel compact vehicle, which is due for launch in early 2016, will combine head-turning good looks with class-leading aerodynamic performance.