Hyundai took the wraps off its second-generation Nexo hydrogen fuel cell SUV on Thursday. Based on the 2024 Initium concept, the Nexo debuts Hyundai’s ‘Art of Steel’ design language, setting it apart from the BEV and ICE counterparts.
- New Nexo’s design resembles the Initium concept
- It gets a 6.69kg hydrogen tank, 2.64kWh battery
- 1st-generation Nexo previously showcased in India
New Hyundai Nexo powertrain details
204hp, 350Nm motor
Compared to the first-gen Nexo, the power has increased by 40hp to 204hp, but the torque has declined by 45Nm to 350Nm. The 0-100kph time has been cut to 7.8 seconds from 9.2 seconds earlier, and the small 2.64kWh battery has an 80kW maximum output – a 100 percent jump. The new powertrain further benefits from a bigger 6.69kg hydrogen tank, allowing for a range of over 700km (figure based on Hyundai’s internal testing).
New Hyundai Nexo exterior
Design resembles Initium concept
In terms of design and look, the new Nexo has a lot in common with last year’s concept. Hyundai has retained the grid-shaped ‘HTWO’ (Hydrogen for Humanity) front and rear lights, as well as H-shaped panels on the bumpers, which are finished in a silver shade, unlike the car’s black cladding. Over the traditional logo, four HTWO lights are placed on the nose and tailgate, which also appear like an ‘H’ but in Morse code.
3-coat paint for a multidimensional effect
The Initium’s roof-mounted carrier with lights has been replaced by regular roof rails. However, flush door handles and aero-efficient 18-inch wheels have been retained. The Nexo boasts a more rakish rear roofline than the other Hyundai SUVs. It now uses a 3-coat paint, creating a multidimensional effect where the body colour shifts depending on the angle of the light and the surrounding environment. A total of six colours will be on offer. Also, the car has become longer, taller and wider than its predecessor (see table below).
| New Hyundai Nexo dimensions (in mm) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Car | New Nexo | Old Nexo |
| Length | 4750 | 4671 |
| Width | 1865 | 1859 |
| Height | 1673 | 1630 |
| Wheelbase | 2790 | 2790 |
New Hyundai Nexo interior
Dashboard flanked by screens which show camera feeds
The next-generation Nexo borrows the 12.3-inch display pair for information and instrumentation from the Hyundai Ioniq 5 EV. The dashboard is flanked by digital screens, which show camera feeds and replace regular outside rearview mirrors. A head-up display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, OTA updates, a 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, a wireless charger and V2L (vehicle to load) are a few more feature offerings. Hyundai said it has opted for slimmer seats in the new SUV to open up more space for passengers. Sustainable materials like bio-processed leather, recycled PET fabric and linen fabric have been used in the cabin.
New Hyundai Nexo safety
9 airbags and ADAS
In 2018, the Nexo SUV became Hyundai’s first fuel-cell vehicle to achieve a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating, followed by a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS the next year. The Korean brand is targeting top-tier safety ratings with the new model as well, which is constructed using “hot stamping and high-strength materials to enhance body rigidity”. Furthermore, the Nexo features a multi-skeleton structure and up to nine airbags for the protection of passengers and the hydrogen tank. It is also equipped with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).
New Hyundai Nexo launch
“Coming to global markets in 2025,” stated Hyundai at the Nexo’s unveiling, without providing a specific launch timeline. In India, Hyundai showcased the Nexo at the 2020 Auto Expo and 2018 India-Korea Business Summit, but a handful of hydrogen-filling pumps have severely restricted the SUV’s sales potential here. That said, Hyundai is conducting a feasibility study on fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) in India.
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