Hyundai Unveils Next-Gen NEXO: 700km Range Hydrogen SUV

Seoul, South Korea—Hyundai Motor Company introduced its second-generation NEXO hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle on Thursday. 

It features increased range and power output compared to its predecessor.

The mid-size SUV, unveiled at the Seoul Mobility Show, is designed to travel more than 700 kilometers on a single five-minute hydrogen charge, according to Hyundai's internal testing based on Korean regulatory standards.

The new NEXO's hydrogen fuel cell stack delivers a maximum gross power of 110 kW, representing a 16 percent increase over the previous model. 

The company said total power output has increased to 190 kW from 135 kW, while battery output has doubled to 80 kW.

"The launch marks a significant milestone in hydrogen mobility," Hyundai said in a statement, noting that the vehicle emits zero tailpipe emissions.

The automaker has increased the hydrogen storage capacity to 6.69 kg from 6.33 kg in the first-generation model while improving acceleration. 

Company data shows the vehicle can reach 100 km/h in 7.8 seconds, compared to 9.2 seconds for its predecessor.

Based on SAE measurement standards, the NEXO measures 4,750 mm long with a 2,790 mm wheelbase. 

It offers increased interior space and cargo capacity of up to 993 liters behind the second row.

The vehicle features Hyundai's new "Art of Steel" design language. 

It will be available in six exterior colors, including Creamy White Pearl and Goyo Copper Pearl, a color the company describes as inspired by Korean culture.

Safety features include up to nine airbags in selected markets and various driver assistance systems such as Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and Highway Driving Assist.

The NEXO has a curved display that combines a 12.3-inch driver information cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment monitor. 

It supports over-the-air software updates and features generative AI voice recognition technology.

European specification models will offer the towing capability of up to 1,000 kg, which Hyundai states is the first such capability for a fuel-cell electric vehicle.

The company said the new NEXO will be available in global markets later this year, but it did not disclose specific pricing details.

Hyundai, which has been developing hydrogen fuel cell technology for 27 years, positioned the launch as part of its diversified vehicle electrification strategy, including battery electric vehicles, hybrids, and fuel cell electric vehicles.