Hyundai has become the first automaker to deploy a hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle in Australia

Hyundaihas become the first carmaker to register and deploy a fleet of hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) in Australia, and the ACT government in the Australian Capital Territory is now using 20 examples of the Hyundai NEXO on the road.

The hydrogen-powered SUV beat the second-generation Toyota Mirai FCEV, which will also enter government and commercial fleet trials this year after local testing of the original Mirai.

While neither model will be available to the public for some time, the advanced zero-emission Hyundai NEXO SUV will be the first fully homologated and ADR-approved FCEV Down Under, at least until the hydrogen refueling network becomes available.

Light and quiet, the Hyundai NEXO emits only water vapor and has a range of about 666 kilometers, while refueling takes only about 3 to 5 minutes, not much compared to conventional gasoline or diesel cars.

The futuristic SUV also features semi-autonomous driving aids and has a maximum five-star safety rating from ANCAP.

Said to reinforce the Australian government's long-term commitment to developing the local hydrogen economy, the country's first publicly accessible hydrogen station will open this month in Canberra (ACT) to refuel the new fleet.

ACT ACT Climate Change and Sustainability Minister Shane Rattenbury said it was a positive step towards mitigating climate change.

"Tackling climate change means tackling transport pollution, and zero-emission vehicle technology is a key part of that," he said.

A lack of hydrogen fueling infrastructure has prevented widespread use of hydrogen-powered vehicles in Australia, but several other fuelers are in the pipeline.

Hyundaisaid five more NEXOs are currently on their way to a ship in Australia and will soon serve the Queensland state government.

"We want to demonstrate to the Queensland community that these vehicles can be driven on the road like any other," Queensland Treasurer Cameron Dick said.