The Tucson FCEV is based on Hyundai’s traditional, gasoline-powered Tucson crossover vehicle and uses the electrochemical process of combining oxygen and hydrogen in the fuel cell stack to create electricity to power the vehicle's electric motor and charge an onboard battery. The only by-product of the process is pure water vapour, resulting in zero greenhouse-gas emissions.

The Tucson FCEV takes less than 5 minutes to refuel and has an estimated range of 426km; both are comparable to the company's existing gasoline-powered Tucson and eliminate the range anxiety or recharge-time compromises of battery electric vehicles. Hyundai adds that cold weather has proven to have minimal effects to the Tucson FCEV driving range when compared to battery electric vehicles.

'We firmly believe that Hyundai has already surpassed the tipping point in fuel cell technology development and that it's ready to be driven by customers interested in pioneering a zero-emissions automotive future,' said Don Romano, president and CEO of Hyundai Auto Canada Corp.

To introduce the new model in Canada, the carmaker is offering select customers in the Vancouver area the chance to lease the vehicle at $599 per month over a three-year term including maintenance and unlimited hydrogen refuelling.

In addition, the brand is rolling out its "At Your Service" valet programme, which is based on the Equus premium sedan program launched in 2010, and ensures that Hyundai dealer will pick up vehicles requiring a service and provide a loaner hybrid vehicle, then return it after service is complete to their home or business, at no charge.

As the first announcement of its kind, Hyundai is also committed to being a leader in the field by working with the Canadian government at all levels and the fuel industry to make fuel cell vehicles not only more affordable, but accessible by realizing a vision for a nation-wide infrastructure of hydrogen refueling stations.

Romano added: 'We are proud to be leading the fuel cell movement and now is the time for auto companies, governments, and citizens to join us in this initiative and push for the creation of a hydrogen infrastructure in Canada to maintain this positive momentum.'

Customers can apply to lease a Tucson FCEV through a dedicated website at www.HyundaiHydrogen.ca.