Hyundai picked again to supply nitrogen Tucsons to the EU

Hyundai Motor said over the weekend it has been selected again as test operator for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles for the European Union. Its Tucson ix35 fuel cell model will be offered to members of the European Parliament and other policy makers for at least six months.

It is the second time the nation’s largest automaker was recognized by the European Commission-backed Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH-JU). Its Tuscon ix35 was first test-operated for 14 months starting in October 2011 and was introduced in various events in Europe last year.

“This will be an good opportunity for us to expand hydrogen fuel cell vehicle market in Europe,” the company said in a release.

Hyundai became world’s first automaker to commercially produce a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle last month. It plans to sell 1,000 units of ix35 by 2015.

Hyundai’s hydrogen-fueled vehicle can go up to 594 kilometers (369 miles) on a full single charge and has a fuel efficiency equivalent to 27.8 kilometers per liter (65.4 miles per gallon) based on New European Driving Cycle standards. It is considered the ultimate environmentally friendly car as it emits only water vapor.