Hyundai has unveiled a new hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) concept, designed for enhanced performance, expected to be produced in H1 2025.
Named INITUM, with a Latin meaning of beginning or first, the hydrogen-fuelled SUV’s development has been focused on three primary areas: driving range, enhanced performance and a spacious interior.
Equipped with aerodynamic wheels with low rolling resistance tyres, the South Korean car maker is targeting a range of 650km on one tank of hydrogen.
Despite not revealing any technical details on the powertrain system, Hyundai said by developing its fuel cell technology, it has increased stack output and enhanced battery capacity to deliver up to 150kW of power.
Expected to enter production in H1 2025, SangYup Lee, Executive Vice-President and Head of Hyundai and Genesis Design Global, said, “We’ve crafted a more SUV-like design that is both solid and safe, reflecting our dedication to our customers through ‘customer-centric design’.”
Additionally, the car features an “FCEV-specific” route planner to address one of the “biggest pain points for FCEV buyers:” refuelling infrastructure.
“With this feature, users can easily plot an optimal route, finding [refuelling] stations along the way without having to access a separate app or make a phone call,” the company said.
“Users can check the location accessibility and operating status of an identified [refuelling] station, as well as the number of waiting vehicles and therefore the possibility of [refuelling].”
Jaehoon Chang, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Compan, added, “We are dedicated to pioneering a future where hydrogen is used by everyone, in everything, and everywhere. We invite you to join us on this journey.”
The launch comes just weeks after Hyundai issued a recall for all 1,600 Nexo hydrogen FCEVs across the US and Canada due to concerns about hydrogen leaks.
Read more: Hyundai recalls all Nexo SUVs in North America over potential hydrogen leak
Owners were told to park the SUVs outdoors and away from structures due to the potential risk of a fire that could be caused by a hydrogen leak, despite no fires being reported.
Can hydrogen cars still drive the future of mobility?
© BMW Group
BMW’s September announcement that it would launch a series-produced hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) in collaboration with Toyota was bound to catch the eye of many.
The German automotive giant said it would work with Toyota on jointly developing a powertrain system for passenger vehicles that would be used in their own distinct models.
Following on from the iX5 Hydrogen pilot fleet that has undergone testing in various geographies, BMW Chairman, Oliver Zipse, claimed the effort would “herald an era of significant demand for FCEVs.”
While collaborations like BMW and Toyota’s signal continued commitment to hydrogen technology, the broader market context paints a more complex picture, with several challenges blurring the rationale of hydrogen mobility.
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