After becoming the first automotive brand in Canada to deliver zero-emissions, hydrogen-powered Tucson Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEV) to B.C. families in 2015, Hyundai Auto Canada Corp. extended its leadership with this advanced technology by handing-over the keys to a customer in Ontario. On March 10, Joseph Cargnelli, Chief Technology Officer and Co-Founder at Mississauga-based Hydrogenics Corporation, took delivery of his 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell vehicle. The transaction was managed by two Hyundai dealership representatives from Don Valley North Hyundai: Arthur Leung, General Manager, and Ashkan Mavandadi, Sales Consultant.

“I am extremely proud to be Hyundai’s first customer in Ontario to take delivery of a fuel cell vehicle,” said Cargnelli. “Hydrogen-powered fuel cell technology has the incredible potential to revolutionize our world by delivering clean energy to meet our every need; this is especially true when it comes to transportation. By offering the Tucson Fuel Cell to customers, Hyundai is taking a significant step toward a brighter and cleaner automotive future; I have been eagerly awaiting the opportunity to drive my new fuel cell vehicle and showcase this technology every day.”

“Everyone at Don Valley North Hyundai was honoured to have the responsibility of delivering the first Tucson Fuel Cell to a customer in Ontario,” said Leung. “The Tucson Fuel Cell is the ultimate expression of Hyundai’s deep expertise in developing advanced technology through its substantial investment in research and development. By making this next-generation powertrain available to customers, Hyundai is furthering its role as a leader in the eco vehicle space.”

In November, 2014, Hyundai Auto Canada announced it would become the first Canadian automotive company to offer its Tucson FCEV to actual, real-world customers. Since the first vehicle delivery took place in February, 2015, six Tucson FCEVs have been delivering thousands of zero-emissions kilometres on the roads of British Columbia. With the expansion to Ontario, the company is further demonstrating the capabilities of FCEV technology and calling for investment in infrastructure development.

“There is no doubt in my mind that fuel cell powertrains are ready for prime-time. We have proven that time and again,” said Don Romano, President and CEO of Hyundai Auto Canada. “The Tucson Fuel Cell is exceeding expectations with its versatility, range, ease-of-use, and features. We believe that fuel cells are the future for the automotive industry and Hyundai has shown the technology has matured. The next step facing governments at all levels is investing in a network of hydrogen fueling stations so more customers can enjoy zero-emissions driving.”

Hyundai’s advanced fuel cell technology effectively replaces the battery pack used in an electric vehicle by generating electricity from an electrochemical process that involves stored hydrogen and oxygen from the atmosphere. The process does not involve hydrogen combustion, and there are no moving parts within the fuel cell stack. The only by-product is pure water vapour, making the Tucson FCEV a zero-emissions electric vehicle. Further, unlike battery electric vehicles, the Tucson FCEV takes less than five minutes to refuel with hydrogen gas and can deliver an estimated 426 km of emissions-free driving.

For more information about the Tucson FCEV, visit www.hyundaihydrogen.ca.

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