Hyundai's fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) programme has unveiled its second-generation fuel cell vehicle, the Tucson FCEV, at the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show.

The Tucson FCEV is dramatically improved, with a driving range double that of Hyundai's first-generation vehicle, the Santa Fe FCEV.

In addition the vehicle boasts increased speed and power and is now capable of starting in freezing temperatures.

Kim Sang-Kwon, president of research and development for Hyundai-Kia Motors, hailed the new development.

"Entering this new phase of our program will allow us to build fuel cell electric vehicles at higher volumes for fleet testing applications," he commented.

"It also brings us one step closer to the commercialization of fuel cell vehicles."

Hyundai's fuel cell research and development program is part of a project supported by a grant from the US Department of Energy (DOE).

The five-year project aims to develop and demonstrate safe, convenient and reliable hydrogen-based distributed power generation, fuel cell vehicles and vehicle fuelling infrastructure, and to educate key audiences about the use of hydrogen as a potential fuel for transportation and power generation.