Can the Latest Hyundai Nexo Offer Hydrogen EVs a Second Chance?
Hyundai's second-gen Nexo is its latest and coolest attempt at a hydrogen-powered vehicle. The SUV won't be for everyone, but it is undeniably cool. The styling comes almost fully intact from the Initium off-roader show vehicle, and the technology promises zero emissions without the charge times of a battery electric.
The first-generation Hyundai Nexo, which went on sale in 2018, is one of the rarest vehicles of all in the U.S. The elegant styling hides a hydrogen fuel cell, which converts hydrogen fuel into electricity with water the only real tailpipe emission.
It takes just a couple of minutes to fill the tank, and in the first-gen, you would get another 350 miles of range. But because there are only a handful of filling stations in the U.S., it's not exactly a hot seller.
Hyundai, though, clearly believes in the tech. That's why it has just launched the much cooler second-generation Nexo FCEV (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle).
The new Nexo drops the sleek look for a more rugged and aggressive design. Hyundai describes it as 'art of steel.' We describe it as looking like a much cooler Kona or Ioniq 5 than the ones Hyundai offers — especially if you consider yourself to be an adventurer.
Nexo, though, isn't about looks; it's about hydrogen and fuel cells. The latest generation has improved electronics and a fuel cell that can produce more power. The cell now makes 110 kW (148 horsepower), 16% more. The electric motor that drives the Nexo now makes 255 horsepower instead of 180.
More power means Nexo can now do 0 to 62 mph in 7.8 seconds. Not quick by modern standards, but a second and a half quicker than the old one. And plenty quick compared with some of our own rigs. It can also tow 1 tonne, which is better than the previous figure of zero.
Hyundai is targeting 434 miles from a fill-up of its tank. The system can hold up to 14.7 pounds of hydrogen in its storage tank. Just don't ask about the price, because that's more than $200 of hydrogen. Hey, it's still a developing fuel source, and at least it takes less than 5 minutes to completely fill it.
Inside, most of the components are familiar Hyundai bits. The two large screens, wireless phone charging, and the vehicle-to-load function you'll find in the company's EVs that lets you power camp or job sites from your car.
It has most of the compact crossover features you might expect, including a small but usable tow capacity and 35 cubic feet of storage space (enough, the brand says, for four golf bags). However, it doesn't have AWD, as that would cut into efficiency.
The Korean automaker said that the new Nexo would go on sale 'in global markets.' The company hasn't confirmed if that includes the U.S. just yet, but did tell us to 'stay tuned for official news.' Which isn't a yes, but sort of is.
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