An important milestone in hydrogen mobility has been reached by Hyundai Motor Company. At the Seoul Mobility Show, they revealed the ‘all-new NEXO fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV), a cutting-edge mid-size SUV.’

The new vehicle provides safety, flexibility, and efficiency, and advanced fuel cell technology, making zero tailpipe emissions possible. The new model emphasises Hyundai Motor’s leadership within the hydrogen mobility sector, highlighting the company’s dedication to creating a strategy around diversified vehicle electrification. This strategy encompasses battery electric vehicles (BEVs), as well as hybrids and FCEVs.

Hyundai aims to make a five-minute charge provide over 700 km of range. The new NEXO is manufactured from sustainable materials, including ‘bio-process leather, bio PU leather, recycled PET fabric, linen fabric, bio plastic, bio TPO skin, bio paint, bio PU slab foam, and recycled automotive plastic waste.’

Significant powertrain advancements are also included within the new design, which go towards improving the power output and performance of the vehicle through involvement with the fuel cell (FC) and power electronics (PE) systems. Hyundai has included a new motor system to increase both the power output and the battery capacity of the PE system, resulting in the total output rising from 135 kW to 190 kW, and the battery’s output has increased from 40 kW to 80 kW. This means the new NEXO can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 7.8 seconds, which is an improvement in comparison to the previous model’s 9.2 seconds.

The enhancements that have been made to the fuel cell stack mean it is able to generate 110kW of gross power, whilst 150kW is provided by the new electric motor. Other advancements of the fuel cell stack include low-temperature drivability, plus ease of starting year-round, which is enabled through the ‘Wake Up’ stack anti-freezing function, and the fuel cell stack now has enhancements for low-temperature operability, plus durability.

A final adaptation is the inclusion of third-generation ultra-high strength steel, which provides better formability and overall, the design of the new NEXO favours strength, durability, efficiency and passenger comfort.