Hyundai remains optimistic about hydrogen fuel cells: continuing to wager on their potential
Hyundai Unveils New NEXO Fuel Cell SUV
Hyundai Motor Company has unveiled the new NEXO, a zero-emission SUV that continues to leverage hydrogen fuel cell technology. The South Korean automaker remains committed to leading in zero-emission mobility, showcasing hydrogen as a practical, long-range, and quick-refueling alternative to battery electric vehicles.
The all-new 2025 NEXO boasts several improvements, including an increased driving range of over 700 kilometers, a fast 5-minute refuel time, advanced fuel cell efficiency, and premium technology features. These advancements make the NEXO a competitive zero-emission SUV option, despite industry doubts and the current limited hydrogen infrastructure.
Hyundai views hydrogen fuel cells as a vital complement to battery electric vehicles due to the fast refueling and extended range, addressing range anxiety issues common with EVs. The NEXO's efficiency (about 60%, compared to about 30% for gasoline engines), environmental benefits (emitting only water vapor), and continuous technical improvements reinforce Hyundai's confidence in hydrogen's future.
The new NEXO features a larger size compared to its predecessor, with a length of 4.75 meters and a width of 1.86 meters. It is equipped with a more powerful engine, generating 150 kW compared to the previous 120 kW. The battery capacity has also grown from 1.56 kWh to 2.64 kW, and the power offered by the battery has increased from 40 to 80 kW.
The new NEXO is also designed to operate effectively in very low temperatures, thanks to an antifreeze function and other improvements. Aesthetically, it is based on the Initium concept. The wheelbase remains at 2.79 meters, and the vehicle is equipped with pixel-based optical groups and tires that reduce noise considerably.
Hyundai's advancements and partnerships aim to pioneer and expand hydrogen mobility. The company has placed deposits with a capacity of up to 6.69 kg of hydrogen in the new NEXO. Their sustained investment suggests a strategic bet that hydrogen will play a critical role in decarbonizing transportation, especially for larger vehicles and those needing rapid refueling.
In August alone, Hyundai sold nearly 18,000 electric vehicles globally, with the weight of electric vehicles increasing in their total sales month by month. The new NEXO is a testament to Hyundai's ongoing investment in hydrogen fuel cell technology, a strategic commitment to mature this alternative zero-emission technology that offers distinct advantages over batteries, particularly for range, refuel time, and vehicle type versatility.
[1] Hyundai Motor Company. (2025). New Hyundai NEXO: A Leap Forward in Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology. [Online]. Available: https://www.hyundai.com/uk/news/new-nexo-hydrogen-fuel-cell-vehicle
[2] Hyundai Motor Company. (2021). Hyundai NEXO: A Zero-emission SUV with Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology. [Online]. Available: https://www.hyundai-global.com/worldwide/news/article/1242476_Hyundai_NEXO_A_Zero-emission_SUV_with_Hydrogen_Fuel_Cell_Technology
[3] Hyundai Motor Company. (2020). Hyundai NEXO: A Zero-emission SUV with Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology. [Online]. Available: https://www.hyundai-global.com/worldwide/news/article/1242476_Hyundai_NEXO_A_Zero-emission_SUV_with_Hydrogen_Fuel_Cell_Technology
- The new NEXO, a zero-emission SUV, showcases Hyundai's investment in the automotive industry's shift towards electric-vehicles and the company's commitment to the finance and technology sectors to pioneer hydrogen mobility.
- Despite industry challenges and the current limited hydrogen infrastructure, the all-new 2025 NEXO presents itself as a viable competitor in the lifestyle market, offering advantages over battery electric vehicles like quick refueling and extended range.
- Hyundai's strategic partnerships and advancements aim to increase the accessibility and adoption of electric-vehicles, particularly in the transportation sector, with a long-term goal of decarbonizing the industry.
- With improvements like an increased driving range, advanced fuel cell efficiency, and premium technology features, the new NEXO positions itself as a technologically-advanced electric-vehicle in the automotive industry.
