Initium hydrogen FCEV to replace Hyundai Nexo

HYUNDAI has unveiled its Initium Concept this week, the hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) set to replace the Nexo in the South Korean manufacturer’s line-up while simultaneously offering a look at its new Art of Steel design language.

The concept model previews a production vehicle set to commence rolling off the assembly line in the first half of 2025. It features Hyundai’s third generation hydrogen fuel stack technology, delivering a targeted 150kW of system output and a touted driving range of over 650km.

While few other technical details are known, Hyundai says the Initium will offer improved acceleration from a standstill and overtaking performance, increased fuel stack power density (not quoted) and durability (up 40 per cent), and vehicle-to-load (V2L) power provision at a rate of up to 100kWh.

“Hyundai Motor’s clear, unwavering commitment to hydrogen over the past 27 years is rooted in our belief in its potential as a clean, accessible and therefore fair energy source for everyone,” said Hyundai Motor Company president and CEO Jaehoon Chang.

“We are dedicated to pioneering a future where hydrogen is used by everyone, in everything, and everywhere.”

Indeed, the Initium’s Art of Steel design incorporates nods to the company’s hydrogen inspirations, including an FCEV-specific ‘+’ inspired graphic as part of the lighting signature.

Unique lighting, solid volumes, and refined elegance denote what designers say is a combination of city living and outdoor adventure capability, the Initium said to offer an SUV-like aesthetic paired with bold lines, a solid structure, rugged roof rack, and aerodynamic 21-inch alloy wheels.

“Our challenge began from the manufacturing stage, where we pushed the formability of steel to the extreme to create a form of art,” detailed Hyundai and Genesis executive vice president of design SangYup Lee.

“With Initium, we’ve crafted a more SUV-like design that is both solid and safe, reflecting our dedication to our customers through ‘customer-centric design’.”

While Hyundai has not offered dimensions for the Initium, it is understood the model will be larger than the five-seat Nexo it replaces, making it “ideal” for family transport.

Practicality considerations extend to wide-opening door apertures, a large second-row “living space”, the model also offering information relating to the availability of nearby refuelling stations.

Convenience and safety features are expected to match those of Hyundai’s latest production range.

The production model of Hyundai’s Initium is said to have been developed to achieve top-tier collision safety and driving safety performance globally, ensuring ample safety for passengers in the event of a collision care of a “multi-skeleton structure” and up to nine airbags.

Hyundai Motor plans to showcase the Initium at the Los Angeles Auto Show and Auto Guangzhou this month.