Hyundai FCEV concept previews 2025 hydrogen SUV

Hyundai Nexo’s successor will be able to travel more than 404 miles between gas stations while featuring a more powerful 201-horsepower electric motor

Hyundai Motor has unveiled a new concept car, previewing the successor to the hydrogen-powered Nexo, which will be launched in the first half of 2025. The Hyundai Initium introduces a new styling language and is equipped with an FCEV powertrain, promising a range of more than 650 kilometers (404 miles).

Initium means “beginning” or “first” in Latin, conveying Hyundai’s intention to become a “hydrogen energy pioneer.” It’s also a fitting name for a concept that showcases Hyundai’s new “Art of Steel” design language before it’s applied to production vehicles.

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The SUV’s appearance combines elements of the all-electric Ioniq 5 and the ICE-powered Santa Fe. Highlights include boxy LED graphics, pronounced skid plates, horizontal stampings on the profile, strong C-pillars and sloping rear glass. The concept features 21-inch aerodynamically optimized wheels covered by wide fender extensions. It also has a sturdy roof rack with integrated lights.

Recent spy shots suggest that the production version will feature smaller wheels, regular roof rails, and more traditional lighting fixtures.

Hyundai didn’t show off the interior, but promised a spacious cabin designed for families. Second-row passengers will have plenty of room, and the seatbacks recline generously. Additionally, the large rear door opening angle is said to improve entry and exit.

In terms of safety, the SUV will be equipped with 9 airbags and have a strong chassis with a “multi-skeleton structure” at the front and additional reinforcements on the sides.

Improved FCEV powertrain

The Hyundai Initium is powered by an electric motor producing 201 hp (150 kW / 204 hp) and is equipped with a large hydrogen tank for a range of more than 650 km (404 mi). By comparison, the outgoing Nexo has 161 hp (120 kW / 162 hp) and an EPA range of 612 km (380 mi).

The company said the increase was achieved by increasing fuel cell stack production and increasing battery capacity. Initium will also be able to use its fuel cells to power home appliances and personal devices through V2L functionality.

The biggest challenge faced by FCEV owners is refueling due to limited networks. Therefore, Hyundai has created a new route planner that can help drivers find hydrogen refueling stations along the way and check their availability and operating status. Additionally, the system can detect how many vehicles are waiting in line at a hydrogen refueling station of interest.

Hyundai Motor’s FCEV development began 27 years ago, although the first dedicated hydrogen fuel cell model, the Nexo, did not appear until 2018. The production version of Initium will mark the next chapter when it becomes available in the first half of 2025. Prior to that, Hyundai will display the concept car at the Los Angeles Auto Show in the United States and the Guangzhou Auto Show in China (scheduled for November).