Hyundai has revealed the second-generation NEXO - a hydrogen SUV with a futuristic design and 700+ kilometres of range
The Korean automaker has unveiled the all-new NEXO FCEV, which looks like a concept car but is a production vehicle with a hydrogen-electric powertrain.
Here's What We Know
Hyundai revealed the second-generation NEXO hydrogen crossover at the Seoul Mobility Show 2025 in Korea. Unlike the "cute" predecessor, the novelty received a brutal, blocky design, developed in the style of the concept Initium, shown in October 2024.
The new generation NEXO is based on the 'Art of Steel' design philosophy and is completely different from its predecessor. The front end is adorned with signature 'HTWO' LED headlamps with four expressive points of light. The crossover gets contrasting black wheel arch extenders, interestingly shaped side windows and massive rear body pillars separating the side glass and transitioning into the tailgate.
In addition to the design changes, Hyundai has made significant improvements to the powertrain:
- 2.64 kWh battery pack
- A 110 kW hydrogen fuel cell stack system.
- 150 kW (204 hp) electric motor.
- Larger hydrogen tank with up to 6.69kg of fuel instead of the previous 6.33kg.
Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes 7.8 seconds and the top speed is 179 km/h. Refuelling in 5 minutes provides over 700 kilometres of range. With this, Hyundai lists the overall range figure as 700+ kilometres.
The NEXO FCEV, like Hyundai's latest battery electric vehicles, supports vehicle-to-load function to power external devices. European versions will be able to tow trailers weighing up to 1,000kg. Digital side mirrors are available as an option for the model.
The interior of the new NEXO shares common features with other models of the brand (Santa Fe and Palisade) and in the maximum configuration includes:
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- 12.3-inch infotainment display
- 12-inch projection display
- Separate touchpad for climate control
- Bang Olufsen audio system with 14 speakers
- Two wireless smartphone chargers
- Digital rear view mirror
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Information on pricing and availability of the new NEXO FCEV in different markets will be announced at a later date.
What is FCEV?
FCEV (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle) is a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. Working principle:
- Hydrogen refuelling - gaseous hydrogen is stored in cylinders at high pressure (typically 350-700 bar).
- Generating electricity - in the fuel cell, hydrogen reacts with oxygen from the air, creating electricity and releasing water as the only exhaust.
- Powering the electric motor - the electricity generated is fed to the electric motor that drives the wheels.
- Battery - a small battery stores energy during regenerative braking and supports peak loads.
The main pros are fast refuelling (3-5 minutes) and a large range (500-800 km). The minuses are the high cost of the technology and poor infrastructure of hydrogen fuelling stations around the world.
Source: Hyundai
