Meet Hyundai NEXO: A bold, AI-powered FCEV with 700 km range in 5 mins

KUALA LUMPUR: The Hyundai Nexo is one of the few FCEVs (fuel-cell electric vehicles) on the market that claim to offer a longer driving range and faster refuelling than BEVs (battery-operated cars). 

First introduced in 2018, this hydrogen-powered Hyundai SUV has received a generational upgrade, marking a significant milestone in hydrogen mobility.

“The all-new NEXO offers flexibility, efficiency, and safety, making it an exciting choice for early FCEV adopters. With its advanced fuel cell technology, NEXO emits zero tailpipe emissions,’ says Hyundai.

Let’s dive deeper to know the all-new Hyundai Nexo in more detail - 

‘Art of Steel’ exterior design

Based on the INITIUM concept, the second-gen Hyundai Nexo features the brand’s new ‘Art of Steel’ design language, which reflects the inherent strength and natural formability of the material.

The SUV boasts a sturdy design with bold lines and a solid structure, exuding a rugged appeal. The front is kitted with special ‘HTWO’ front and rear lights highlighting Hyundai’s HTWO hydrogen brand and its ‘Hydrogen for Humanity’ message. The four dot lamps positioned in a straight line make the vehicle instantly recognizable, especially at night.

Other key highlights are - H-shaped panels on the bumpers, flush door handles, aero-efficient 18-inch wheels, and roof rails.

The striking colour palette of the SUV comprises 6 shades - Creamy White Pearl, Phantom Black Pearl, Amazon Gray Metallic, Ocean Indigo Matte, Ecotronic Gray Pearl, and Goyo Copper Pearl. 

Enhanced interior comfort

Longer, wider, and taller than its predecessor, the new Nexo FCEV offers improved passenger comfort and increased rear cargo capacity (up to 993 litres). 

The roomy interior features a hi-tech design with a curved, driver-focused display, an island-type center console with generous storage, and intuitive controls for ease of use. Instead of the traditional shift lever, it comes with a column-type shift lever that enhances convenience and cockpit usability.

Based on the ‘Furnished Space’ Concept, the cabin blends high-tech features with a  comfortable, furnished feel.

The key highlights include - 

• Digital Side Mirrors integrated into the dashboard
• First-row Relaxation seats with leg rests 
• Ventilated seats with improved legroom, knee clearance, better headroom, and shoulder room for rear passengers
• Wider rear door openings for easier access
• Multiple storage compartments
• Ambient mood Lighting
• Vision roof
• Variety of sustainable materials, including bio-process and bio PU leather, recycled PET and automotive plastic, linen fabric, bio paint, bio TPO skin, and foam.

Innovative features and advanced technologies 

The new Hyundai Nexo comes loaded with a wide range of consumer-centric features, making the hydrogen-electric driving experience intuitive and convenient. Some of them are - 

• Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) with dual 12.3-inch curved screens supporting wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and OTA updates
• FCEV Route Planner for fuel status and locating nearby hydrogen stations
• Voice Recognition with Generative AI
• 12-inch Head-Up Display
• Dual Wireless Charging
• Bang & Olufsen Sound System with up to 14 speakers
• Vehicle-to-Load functionality
• Digital Center Mirror (for a clearer rear view with night and rain visibility)
• Digital Side Mirrors (wider field of view, blind spot detection, and lane change assist)
• Built-in Cam 2 Plus enabling front & rear recording and motion detection even when parked (for up to 4 days)
• Fingerprint authentication system 
• Digital Key 2 shareable with up to 15 devices (smartphone or Apple Watch can be used to unlock/start the car; 
• Radar-based Rear Occupant Alert

New fuel cell system and powertrain enhancements 

The upgraded Hyundai Nexo is powered by a new fuel cell system, a high-efficiency inverter, and a bigger 2.64-kWh battery. The total output has increased to 204 hp (40 hp more than the predecessor), enabling the vehicle to hit the century sprint in 7.8 seconds (1.4 seconds quicker).

The new drivetrain setup features a bigger 6.69 kg hydrogen tank, providing a driving range of over 700 km, and that’s just in 5 minutes of refuelling time. That’s even more impressive than BYD's new supercharging platform that promises a 400 km range in 5 mins charging time.

Further enhancing performance and versatility are aerodynamic improvements such as underbody tweaks and airflow management, reducing drag. The Nexo is the first FCEV that offers towing capability; it can tow up to 1,000 kg.

Advanced safety and driver assistance features 

The FCEV meets and exceeds global crash safety standards thanks to its multi-skeleton structure and 9 airbags, protecting both occupants and the hydrogen tank during collisions. The vehicle is made up of ultra-high-strength steel, offering better formability and crash resistance than older materials.

The key advanced driver-assistance features are -

Collision & Blind Spot Safety	Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 1.5/2.0 Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist  Blind-Spot View Monitor
Lane & Speed Assistance	Lane Keeping Assist  Lane Following Assist 2  Intelligent Speed Limit Assist
Driver Monitoring & Exit Alerts	Driver Attention Warning  Safe Exit Warning  Safe Exit Assist
Smart Cruise & Highway Support	Smart Cruise Control  Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control  Highway Driving Assist  Emergency Stop Function
Parking Assistance Suite	Rear View Monitor  Surround View Monitor  Parking Distance Warning – Front/Side/Rear Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist – Front/Side/Rear  Remote Smart Parking Assist 2
Lighting Support	High Beam Assist

“The second-generation NEXO reflects Hyundai Motor’s leadership in hydrogen mobility and 27 years of fuel cell technology experience. This new model also underscores the company’s commitment to a diversified vehicle electrification strategy, which includes not only battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and hybrids, but also FCEVs, offering wider consumer choice.”

Closer to home, no FCEVs are on sale in the Malaysian market. Although a few notable initiatives have been taken in this regard, indicating the future possibilities. One of the most notable ones is the handover of 5 units of the Toyota Mirai FCEV to Sarawak's SEDC Energy and the state's Premier to promote sustainable transportation solutions.

Also read: Meet Hyundai’s gaming-inspired concept car, the INSTEROID