In a surprise move, Ward’s has named the Hyundai fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) to its 10 Best Engines list for 2015. Although technically not an “engine” in engineering parlance, the hydrogen fuel cell system Hyundai uses is considered the world’s first mass-produced fuel cell engine for automotive. It went on sale as the Tucson Fuel Cell in Southern California in June of this year.
“Hyundai engineers did a stunning job of slipping the most advanced automotive technology imaginable into a roomy family vehicle and making it all very consumer friendly,” said Drew Winter, editor-in-chief of WardsAuto World magazine. “The powertrain is exceptionally quiet and has a range of 265 miles. Plus, it can be refueled in minutes instead of hours like a battery-electric vehicle. The Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell is a great engineering achievement and a giant leap for zero-emissions vehicles.”
For Hyundai, this is the fourth time the’ve been on the 10 Best Engines list from Ward’s. The actual awards ceremony happens during the upcoming Detroit show (NAIAS) on January 14.