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Hyundai's New Nexo: The Future of Hydrogen Cars
Uniji
2025-06-12 03:23:00

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● The evolution of the hydrogen SUV returns after seven years; technology is the answer now.

● The beginning of clean mobility, 'The All-New Nexo' envisions the future of hydrogen vehicles.

● The future of hydrogen vehicles, proven as a reality by Hyundai Motor Company, not just words.

The tangible vision of Hyundai Motor Company's hydrogen vehicle returns after seven years.

Earlier this month, Hyundai Motor Company unveiled the completely revamped hydrogen electric vehicle, 'The All-New Nexo,' at the 2025 Seoul Mobility Show, marking its world debut. This full redesign comes seven years after the first-generation Nexo launched in March 2018. It stands out not just as a model replacement but as a definitive representation of Hyundai's hydrogen vision. The All-New Nexo inherits elements from the concept car 'Inisium (NEOS)' unveiled last year and is developed based on Hyundai's latest design language, 'Art of Steel.' This design emphasizes the inherent texture of materials, achieving a silhouette that embodies both strength and elegance. The 'HTWO Lamp' at the front and rear visually expresses the molecular structure of hydrogen (H2), reflecting the brand's philosophy.

'The All-New Nexo' features an innovative design, a warm interior, and an enhanced hydrogen powertrain.

The design of the second-generation Nexo, a full change model, captures the robust image typical of a sports utility vehicle (SUV) while incorporating the unique aesthetics of hydrogen electric vehicles. Additionally, the side profile showcases a strong arch with straight lines, while the rear features a voluminous bumper and integrated lamp design that adds sophistication. Inside, the digital side mirrors (DSM), panoramic curved display, and premium padded finishes combine to deliver a high-end electric vehicle quality experience. Hyundai also introduces 'Bang & Olufsen Premium Audio' for the first time and equips the vehicle with interior and exterior V2L capabilities, along with a 100W C-type port, allowing the car to function as a power hub.

Furthermore, the All-New Nexo employs a '2-stage motor system' featuring two inverters, achieving an efficiency of 90% and an output of 150 kW (approximately 204 horsepower). This marks a 25% improvement in motor performance and a 1.3% increase in system efficiency compared to previous models. The vehicle accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in just 7.8 seconds, with a charging time of about 5 minutes, and it is expected to offer a driving range of over 435 miles on a single charge.

Eco-friendliness is fundamental, with innovative interior space and cutting-edge convenience features.

Meanwhile, the All-New Nexo incorporates over seven eco-friendly materials, including recycled plastics from scrapped vehicles, bio-leather, bio-paint, and recycled PET. Additionally, the rear overhang has increased by 80 mm compared to the previous model, providing a maximum trunk space of 18 cubic feet and the capacity to hold four golf bags. The vehicle's modular platform allows for various storage accessories, making it particularly appealing to users who frequently engage in camping or recreational activities. Furthermore, it includes a driver monitoring system (ICC) that detects fatigue and distractions, wireless software updates (OTA), Hyundai Digital Key 2, Remote Smart Parking Assist 2 (RSPA 2), fingerprint authentication, and heated/cooled seats for all passengers, equipping it with nearly all of Hyundai's convenience features as standard.

Safety features also meet industry-leading standards with ▲9 airbags ▲Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 2 (FCA2) ▲Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA2) ▲Lane Departure and Lane Keeping Assist ▲Surround View Monitor, encompassing Hyundai's latest ADAS functionalities.

The revival of hydrogen vehicles? What lies ahead for the Nexo?

The Nexo functions not just as a vehicle but as a hub for the hydrogen ecosystem. It comes equipped with a dedicated info system for hydrogen electric vehicles, featuring real-time locations of hydrogen charging stations, hydrogen flow data, estimated driving range, and V2L information. Additionally, it offers a 'Route Planner' to minimize concerns about a lack of charging stations. Currently, South Korea operates 212 hydrogen charging stations, boasting one of the world's leading infrastructures. Hyundai aims to leverage this to promote the popularity of hydrogen vehicles.

However, the reality is challenging. After peaking at 10,000 units sold in 2022, Nexo sales dropped to 4,328 in 2023, and projections for 2024 indicate only 2,751 units. In particular, the first quarter of this year saw sales of just 568 units, significantly trailing behind hybrids and electric vehicles. This decline stems from various practical barriers, including a lack of hydrogen charging infrastructure, vehicle pricing, and hydrogen costs. Nonetheless, Hyundai views hydrogen electric vehicles as a long-term ecosystem strategy rather than a short-term profit endeavor, and with the All-New Nexo, they are taking another bold step.

How does the All-New Nexo compare to its competitors?

The hydrogen SUV market remains a blue ocean with little competition. Currently, the only competitor in the hydrogen passenger car segment is Toyota's 'Mirai,' which is a sedan and has ceased domestic sales, leaving no substantial competition. In contrast, direct comparisons with electric vehicles such as the Tesla Model Y, Ioniq 5, and Kia EV9 are unavoidable. While the Nexo excels in charging time and real-world driving range, it still has a long way to go in terms of infrastructure and pricing.

However, the All-New Nexo, returning after seven years, has evolved in terms of exterior design, interior quality, power performance, eco-friendly materials, and convenience features. Ultimately, the success of this vehicle hinges not on consumer preference but on how quickly the 'hydrogen ecosystem' expands. As Hyundai continues its journey in hydrogen vehicles, we must watch closely to see if the All-New Nexo can lead to a 'revival' in the hydrogen vehicle market. We appreciate your valuable comments and hope you have a joyful and happy day. This concludes the post.

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