Hyundai will announce details Nov. 20 at the Los Angeles Auto Show that beginning in 2014 it will become the first manufacturer of a mass-produced car that will run on a hydrogen fuel cell.
The vehicle will be the Tucson sport utility vehicle.
Hydrogen-powered cars have been discussed in the automotive industry since the 1960s. General Motors and Honda both experimented with limited offering of hydrogen cars in the mid-2000s, respectively the Chevy Equinox and FCX Clarity.
Hyundai will begin selling the hydrogen Tucson in Southern California and will further distribute the SUV as filling stations are constructed.
According to an Associated Press report, the California Air Resources Board reports there currently are nine hydrogen filling stations open to the public in the state. Legislators recently allocated about $100 million, or $20 million a year, to build 100 more.
Honda and Toyota are also about to unveil hydrogen concept cars, the former at the LA Auto Show, the latter at the Tokyo Auto Show, also this week.
Hyundai is expected to introduce prices and additional details of how its cars will be sold or leased in Los Angeles.
Article Last Updated: November 18, 2013.