Hyundai unveils hydrogen-powered NEXO with 435 miles of range
The all-new NEXO was revealed at the Seoul Mobility Show in South Korea
Hyundai has set out its intention to commit to hydrogen power with the reveal of its second-generation NEXO SUV.
The NEXO is being branded a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) and while the Korean brand is undoubtedly the biggest pusher of this technology in the mass market, will that translate to sales? Hyundai has sold 35,820 of the first-generation NEXO - released in 2018 - in South Korea and just 4,645 overseas.
How does the technology work?
The system works by using a hydrogen fuel cell feeding a battery to power an electric motor. The battery has 80kW of power, with the output pushing to 204bhp, compared to the 161bhp of its predecessor. This translates to a 0-62mph acceleration time of 7.8 seconds and a top speed of 111 mph.
You’ll be able to cover greater distances too, as new NEXO’s tank capacity has increased to 6.69kg thanks to improvements in hydrogen storage, allowing for 435 miles of range.
Design
Remember last year’s Initium concept car from Hyundai? Well, the Korean brand has used that as its blueprint for the second generation NEXO, with the ‘Art of Steel’ design language deliberately separating it from its battery and ICE equivalents.
The NEXO sits on 18-inch wheels and has been designed as sturdy and solid to emphasise its strength, durability and ability to suit urban and off-road terrains. It’s longer, wider and taller than its predecessor, measuring similarly to a BMW X3.
Interior
Inside, slimmer seat designs mean a roomier feel, while the cockpit is the same as an Ioniq 5, featuring two 12.3-inch display screens for instruments and infotainment. There’s also an onboard FCEV route planner to help find hydrogen filling stations during your journey, although they aren’t exactly in abundance currently.
Mirrors have been replaced with cameras, the footage of which is shown on either end of the cockpit dashboard.
The NEXO will be a quiet driving experience thanks to noise cancelling technology and sound absorbent tyres. Along with wireless phone charging and a Bang & Olufsen sound system, there’s plenty of smart storage space throughout the cabin.
Will it be coming to the UK?
Unfortunately, the new NEXO won’t be making its way to the UK due to the lack of hydrogen refuelling infrastructure, with only 16 refill stations currently operating in the UK. Battery-electric technology appears to be the lane the majority of car manufacturers have chosen to go down. Whether that is likely to change in the future is anyone’s guess…
words: Mike Booth
pictures: Hyundai