New Hyundai Nexo Hydrogen SUV Revealed: Hyundai on Thursday unveiled its second-generation Nexo hydrogen fuel cell SUV. The vehicle is based on the 2024 Initium concept and features Hyundai’s new ‘Art of Steel’ design language, which sets it apart from battery electric (BEV) and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. So let’s take a closer look at this great vehicle – its look, power, features and more!
New Nexo design: Similar look to Initium
The design of the new Nexo is heavily inspired by last year’s Initium concept. It has grid-shaped ‘HTWO’ (Hydrogen for Humanity) front and rear lights, which make it special. The bumper has H-shaped panels, which are in silver shade and contrast with the black cladding of the vehicle. The traditional Hyundai logo has been replaced by four HTWO lights on the nose and tailgate, which look like the letter ‘H’ in Morse code.
The Initium light carrier on the roof has been replaced by normal roof rails, but the slim ORVMs, flush door handles and 18-inch aero-efficient wheels remain. The rear roofline is more sloping than other Hyundai SUVs. The car gets a three-coat paint job that shifts the body colour based on the light and surroundings – meaning a new look from every angle! A total of six colour options will be available. It has also become longer, taller and wider than before (see table below).
Dimensions of the new Hyundai Nexo Hydrogen (in mm):
New Nexo: Length 4750, Width 1865, Height 1673, Wheelbase 2790
Old Nexo: Length 4671, Width 1859, Height 1630, Wheelbase 2790
Powertrain: More power, better range
The new Nexo has a 204hp and 350Nm motor. Power has increased by 40hp compared to the first generation, but torque has decreased by 45Nm. 0-100km/h now takes just 7.8 seconds (earlier it took 9.2 seconds). It has a 2.64kWh battery, which outputs 80kW – that’s a jump of 100%. The hydrogen tank now weighs 6.69kg (earlier it was 6.33kg), which increases the range to over 700km. This figure is based on Hyundai’s internal testing. Refueling time? Just 5 minutes!
Interior: Enjoy luxury and technology
The interior of the new Nexo is inspired by the Hyundai Ioniq 5. It has two 12.3-inch screens – one for infotainment and the other for instrumentation. There are digital screens on the dashboard, which show camera feeds and replace the ORVMs. There are features like head-up display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, OTA updates, 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, wireless charger and V2L (vehicle to load).
Hyundai has used slimmer seats to give more space to the passengers. Sustainable materials like bio-processed leather, recycled PET fabric and linen fabric have been used in the cabin.
Safety: Target of top rating
In 2018, the first Nexo received a 5-star rating from Euro NCAP and a Top Safety Pick award from IIHS. The new Nexo is also a contender for top safety ratings. It features “hot stamping and high-strength materials” for enhanced body rigidity. A multi-skeleton structure and nine airbags ensure safety of passengers and the hydrogen tank. There is also an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS).
Launch: When in India?
Hyundai has said that the new Nexo “will arrive in global markets in 2025,” but the exact timeline is not clear yet. It was showcased in India at the 2020 Auto Expo and the 2018 India-Korea Business Summit, but the lack of hydrogen filling stations makes its sales difficult. Still, Hyundai is studying the feasibility of fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) in India.
So what do you say?
Over 700 km range, full tank in 5 minutes and cool design – the new Nexo is truly amazing. The future of hydrogen vehicles may be uncertain, but Hyundai is going all-in on the technology. What do you think – will it work in India? Comment now.
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