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Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell Nominated for 2015 Green SUV of the Year

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Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell gets 2015 Green SUV of the Year Nomination (6)

Nearly one year to the date since the announcement that a hydrogen-powered Hyundai vehicle was on its way, and six months since the Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell SUV arrived in California, the Korean brand is announcing more good news for the future of hydrogen power.

Green Car Journal has released its nominations for its annual eco-conscious automotive awards. In the SUV category, you’ll find the first mass-produced fuel cell vehicle contending for 2015 Green SUV of the Year™.


Related: A closer look at the future of the auto industry with hydrogen fueling


2015 Green SUV of the Year Contender Proves that SUVs Can Be Eco-Friendly Too

Despite all the hoopla over electricity-powered vehicles dominating the automotive awards season, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles like the Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell are still getting some much-deserved recognition for their breakthrough technology.

“SUVs and crossover vehicles are an important part of the automotive landscape, serving the needs of a wide-ranging demographic,” said Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of Green Car Journal. “It’s imperative that these vehicles also offer greater efficiency and improved environmental impact, something the Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell clearly accomplishes.”

“Being a finalist for Green SUV of the Year is reinforcement on the role fuel cell technology plays in emission-free transportation today and into the future,” said Mike O’Brien, vice president of corporate and product planning for Hyundai Motors of America. “The Tucson Fuel Cell is a seamless transition from gasoline-powered vehicles with comparable range and refueling times.”

Of the five finalists selected based on fuel efficiency, lightweighting, advanced drivetrain technologies, and the use of alternative or clean fuels, the Hyundai Tucson is certainly the most unorthodox. Instead of a traditional electric battery pack, it uses an electrochemical process to generate electricity through hydrogen energy.

Still, the SUV has already received Green Car Journal’s 2015 Green Car Product of Excellence honor, so reaching for another honor from Green Car Journal wouldn’t be unlikely.

The final verdict on the 2015 Green SUV of the Year award will be announced at the Washington Auto Show on January 22nd.

Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell gets 2015 Green SUV of the Year Nomination (7)


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