SACRAMENTO - A Tustin family today received the keys to the first Hyundai Tucson hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle available for lease in the United States. The fuel cell-powered Tucson was first introduced at the Los Angeles Auto Show last November and uses hydrogen to generate the electricity which powers the vehicle. These vehicles are an important part of California’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
 
“Californians are known for our support of smart innovations, and the Bush family’s decision to become the first Americans to drive the Hyundai fuel cell vehicle as their family car fits squarely within that proud tradition,” said Air Resources Board Chairman Mary D. Nichols. “These ultra-clean vehicles play a critical role in our efforts to clean the air and meet our climate goals. Fuel cell cars are not vehicles of the future – they’re here now and we applaud Hyundai for bringing them first to the market in California where they are most needed.”
 
California’s Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate will put 1.5 million ZEVs including hydrogen, plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles on the state’s roads by 2025. Additionally, California is part of an 8-state collaborative working to develop and deploy consistent codes, signage and fueling infrastructure for ZEVs on both the West and East Coasts. The collaborative ultimately plans to put a minimum of 3.3 million ZEVs on the roadways in the partner states by 2025.

California has also joined with businesses, non-governmental organizations and other government agencies around the country in the H2 USA collaboration to develop the foundation for installation of hydrogen refueling technology nationwide. In addition, California has earmarked $20 million annually to put 100 hydrogen fueling stations throughout the state.  

To view the H2USA announcement, click here.

To learn more about the Multi-State ZEV Action Plan, click here.

To follow Chairman Nichols on Twitter, click here.

To follow ARB on Twitter, click here.