Latest news with #Initium
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
New Hyundai Nexo hydrogen SUV revealed with 435-plus-mile range
Hyundai has reaffirmed its commitment to hydrogen-powered cars, revealing the second generation of its Nexo fuel-cell SUV. Based on the Initium concept car shown last year, it introduces a new design language dubbed Art of Steel, which will distinguish the brand's future FCEVs from their battery-electric and combustion-engined counterparts. Details reserved for Hyundai's new hydrogen cars include the new Nexo's grid-shaped 'H-two' front and rear lights, as well as H-shaped surfaces on the front and rear bumpers. The latter are finished in a flat silver shade, highlighting them against the colour of the car's flat-black body cladding. As well as looking radically different to its predecessor, the new Nexo is a longer, taller and wider car, repositioning it as an alternative to battery-powered EVs such as the BMW iX3 and Tesla Model Y. Hyundai said this – combined with a slimmer seat design – means there is now room for second-row passengers in every sense, from headroom down to legroom. The Nexo also receives the same 'connected cockpit' dashboard as the Ioniq 5 featuring a pair of 12.3in displays: one for instrumentation, and the other an infotainment touchscreen. To boot, the car's traditional mirrors are replaced with cameras (displayed on large screens on either flank of the dashboard). Under the skin, the second-generation Nexo brings a completely reworked powertrain. Its fuel cell stack's electrical output has been increased by 16%, to 110kW. Hyundai said it is also more durable and operates over a wider range of temperatures. Meanwhile, the battery's maximum output has doubled, now delivering up to 80kW. Such developments allowed the fitment of a 201bhp electric motor, significantly punchier than the previous car's 161bhp unit. This cuts its 0-62mph sprint time down from 9.2sec to 7.8sec. In addition, the car's hydrogen tank capacity has grown from 6.33kg to 6.69kg which, in combination with the new and more efficient powertrain, boosts its range to more than 435 miles per fill-up. There is also vehicle-to-load capacity, allowing the Nexo to connect to external devices and effectively act as a hydrogen-powered generator. Hyundai said the new car is due to come to 'global markets this year', but it has yet to commit to offering it in the UK. Autocar understands it sold fewer than 50 examples of that car here between 2019 and 2022, and the nation's filling infrastructure has thinned significantly since then. According to UK H2 Mobility, there are currently four hydrogen filling stations for light vehicles across the entire UK. However, previous CEO Jaehoon Chang (now vice-chair of the Hyundai Motor Group) said last year that hydrogen cars were a 'chicken and egg' issue, on which the brand planned to lead the charge. This suggests the car could be offered in the UK in spite of low sales and weak infrastructure. ]]>
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
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. 2025 Ioniq 5 Review: Hyundai Heads Off Road With XRT Model
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
2026 Hyundai Nexo Might Be the Coolest Hydrogen-Fueled SUV Ever
The 2026 Hyundai Nexo debuts as the second generation of the brand's hydrogen fuel-cell SUV. Along with a really cool concept-inspired design, the Nexo has a 201-hp front-wheel-drive powertrain, and it's expected to offer over 430 miles of range. It's unclear if Hyundai will sell the Nexo in the United States, but it probably won't because the last version was poorly received. Is it just us, or does the new second-generation Hyundai Nexo have hints of the company's N Vision 74 concept? Whether you share that thought or not, Hyundai's forthcoming hydrogen-powered SUV might be the coolest FCEV we've ever seen. Like many Hyundai concepts, the production-spec Nexo looks a lot like the Initium concept that the company debuted last fall. Hyundai calls the design language "Art of Steel." Cool. Measuring 187 inches long, the 2026 Hyundai Nexo is just over three inches longer than its predecessor, which in the U.S. was only sold in California for the 2019–2023 model years. The new version does have an identical 109.8-inch wheelbase, though it's two tenths wider and over an inch taller with its available roof rails. Unlike the old Nexo, the new one also has the ability to pull a trailer, as long as it weighs 2205 pounds or less. Hyundai says the Nexo's hydrogen fuel-cell powertrain has been improved. Along with a more powerful fuel stack, which is said to be more durable, especially in chilly temps, the electric motor is mightier too. The front-mounted drive unit now makes 201 horsepower, and it's claimed to accelerate from zero to 62 mph in an unremarkable 7.8 seconds. Then again, its predecessor did the deed in a claimed 9.2 ticks, so that's notably quicker. With a larger hydrogen tank and improved efficiency, Hyundai is targeting a max driving range of over 430 miles. Inside, the Nexo looks mostly similar to other Hyundai models, with the dashboard's horizontal elements and pair of 12.3-inch displays. The infotainment system features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but it also uses generative AI for its voice commands. A Bang & Olufsen stereo offers up to 12 speakers, and there's a head-up display for those who appreciate such niceties. Some Nexos can also be outfitted with camera-fed side mirrors, but that's only in certain markets. Wanna kick back and relax while chilling at a hydrogen-fueling station? Well, the Nexo's front seats not only recline, but they also offer ventilated cushions and fold-out leg rests. Hyundai says the people in the back enjoy better headroom and shoulder room than before, and the rear doors open wider too, so those of us with bad backs have an easier time climbing in and out. Golfers will appreciate that FCEV SUV can hold up to four golf bags. Its larger cargo hold is said to have 35 cubic feet with the rear seatbacks erect; fold them flat and the space grows to 61 cubes. Unfortunately, the next-gen Nexo probably isn't coming to the United States. And if it does, once again it would likely only be sold in California. Instead, Hyundai says it will be coming to global markets sometime later this year. You Might Also Like Car and Driver's 10 Best Cars through the Decades How to Buy or Lease a New Car Lightning Lap Legends: Chevrolet Camaro vs. Ford Mustang!
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
The Next-Gen Hyundai Nexo Looks Awesome, It's Just A Shame Hydrogen Isn't Gonna Happen
After previewing it with the Initium concept at last year's Los Angeles Auto Show, Hyundai has revealed the second generation of the Nexo hydrogen fuel-cell crossover, and it looks awesome. It's nearly identical to that concept, in fact, with a boxy design that looks totally unlike any other Hyundai while still obviously looking like a Hyundai. The second-gen Nexo also has a luxe interior and a new, more efficient powertrain. Too bad hydrogen cars still just aren't gonna happen, despite Hyundai calling the new Nexo "a significant milestone in hydrogen mobility." The first-gen Nexo was handsome and interesting enough but didn't really stand out among a sea of other softly shaped crossovers. This new one, though, is rad as hell. Hyundai's new design language is called Art of Steel, which it says "reflects the inherent strength and natural formability of the material." The new Nexo is boxy and bold, with a Pontiac Aztek–like C- and D-pillar setup that actually works, angular creases and cutlines, prominent cladding and H-shaped bumper elements. What Hyundai calls "HTWO" lights (the brand's "Hydrogen for Humanity" message), a large square made up of four small squares of light, are used as the front foglights and taillights. It all just looks rad as hell. Read more: The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Is The Crossover To End All Crossovers On the inside the second-gen Nexo looks more similar to other new Hyundais like the Palisade, but it still has some unique design elements. Though its wheelbase is the same, the new model is longer, wider and taller than the outgoing Nexo, and it has more passenger and cargo space as a result. Hyundai says the cargo area can fit four golf bags, and there's some sort of customizable platform for accessories. The rear doors open wider than before, too. The two-tier dashboard has an upper section that looks padded like a space suit, with the door panels ribbed to match. There's a curved dual-screen display and a row of climate controls in the dash, and the center console affixed to the floor has storage cubbies and cupholders. Then you've got an "island-type" armrest with charging ports and pads, some hard controls and the fingerprint sensors. The Nexo will be available with Hyundai's Premium Relaxation Seats that recline far back and have extendable legrests, as well as ventilated seats, a Bang & Olufsen sound system, ambient lighting, a "vision roof" (no idea what that is yet), new active-safety features, a built-in front and rear dash cam and other tech items. Powering the Nexo is a 2.6-kWh battery pack with an 80-kW output (up by 1 kWh and 40 kW), a trio of 6.7-kg hydrogen tanks (up from 6.3 kg), and an electric motor that makes 201 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque (up by 40 hp and down by 33 lb-ft). The hydrogen fuel-cell stack now delivers a gross power of 148 hp, up by 16%, and total output from the whole powertrain system is now 258 hp, an increase of 77 hp. Hyundai says the new Nexo will hit 62 mph in 7.8 seconds, an improvement of a second and a half, and it will have a range of more than 435 miles. A route planner in the infotainment system aims to make long trips and fill-ups easier to plan. The fuel-cell stack has improved durability and low-temperature operation, with a new "Wake Up" anti-freezing function that should make the Nexo easy to start year-round. Hyundai implemented all sorts of aerodynamic enhancements to increase efficiency and reduce noise, plus the Nexo wears special tires and has an active noise cancelation system. The regenerative braking system has an adaptive mode that takes into account navigation data, speed cameras, speed humps and the cars around you. Hyundai says the new Nexo is "coming to global markets later this year" as part of the company's push to be "a pioneer in hydrogen mobility." That will ostensibly include the U.S., where the first-gen Nexo has been sold since 2018. But as cool as I think the new Nexo is, and as much as I would love it if hydrogen tech suddenly became widespread, I just don't think it's going to happen — and especially not in the U.S. with Trump in the White House. Global hydrogen car sales dropped by 22% in 2024 with only 12,866 new fuel-cell vehicles registered worldwide. To put that into perspective, Hyundai sold 44,400 electric Ioniq 5s just in the U.S. last year. Of those 12,866 hydrogen cars sold globally last year, 7,113 went to China and 3,688 went to South Korea, the latter being a 20.4% drop. In its seven-year lifespan Hyundai has sold barely 40,000 Nexos, fewer than 2,000 of which went to American consumers. The number of hydrogen stations in the U.S. is dwindling too, down to just 54 last year, the vast majority of which are in California. Though Hyundai says it's committed to expanding hydrogen infrastructure, and I'm sure that may be possible in Asia and other parts of the world (if only for trucking), I can't help but think the new Nexo would be a much better product if it were just one of Hyundai's excellent EVs. Want more like this? Join the Jalopnik newsletter to get the latest auto news sent straight to your inbox... Read the original article on Jalopnik.
Korea Herald
11-03-2025
- Automotive
- Korea Herald
Hyundai Motor to build 2nd hydrogen facility in Ulsan
Hyundai Motor Company is poised to set up its second hydrogen fuel cell production facility at its Ulsan plant, ramping up its growth momentum in the hydrogen-powered electric vehicle market. According to media reports on Tuesday, the automaker is in talks with the Ulsan plant labor union to build the hydrogen facility adjacent to the factory's existing auto transmission manufacturing site. This new production base will be the company's second, following the one in Guangzhou, China, and the first of its kind in South Korea. The facility's construction is set to begin this year, with mass production expected as early as 2028. Although the annual capacity remains undisclosed, the Guangzhou site, which opened in 2023, manufactures hydrogen fuel cell systems for 6,500 vehicles annually. The hydrogen fuel cells produced in Ulsan will power Hyundai Motor's flagship Nexo SUV, Ele City buses and trucks. Currently, the company sources its fuel cell systems from Unitus, a subsidiary of Hyundai Mobis – Hyundai Motor Group's car parts manufacturing arm. In February last year, Hyundai Motor acquired Hyundai Mobis' domestic hydrogen business, including a facility with an annual capacity of approximately 23,000 units. While Hyundai Motor declined to comment on the matter, citing confidentiality, the Ulsan factory labor union recently stated in a newsletter, 'The Ulsan plant is set to become a major hub for the future automotive industry. …The hydrogen fuel cell facility will prioritize a people-centered work environment and uphold the right to work safely by ensuring the highest safety standards.' At the upcoming shareholders' meeting on March 20, Hyundai Motor will add 'hydrogen and other related businesses' to its corporate objectives, marking the first time hydrogen business is explicitly stated in its articles of association. The carmaker's decision to accelerate its domestic hydrogen business comes after last year's collective bargaining agreement with the labor union, which outlined plans to achieve the capacity to produce hydrogen fuel cells, one of the key electrification components. This is in line with the company's initiative to integrate hydrogen systems into its vehicle lineups by 2028 and to reduce the price of hydrogen-powered cars similar to EVs by 2030. This year, it will launch the Initium hydrogen SUV, which boasts a range of 650 kilometers on a single charge.
