Hyundai Initium: the hydrogen SUV with 650 km of autonomy

Hyundai has just lifted the veil on a new concept car announcing the replacement for the Nexo, the brand's hydrogen SUV. This model, scheduled for the first half of 2025 and called Initium, inaugurates a new stylistic language and has a fuel cell powertrain (FCEV), promising a range of more than 650 km.

New beginning

The name Initium may mean “first” in Latin, reflecting Hyundai's desire to become a “hydrogen pioneer“This name also suits a concept car that presents the new aesthetic.”Art of Steel“from Hyundai, meant to express”solidity and safety“, intended to be found on future models of the brand.

The exterior of the model combines design elements seen on theIoniq 5all electric, and new Santa Fethermal for its part. Among the striking details are the square-shaped LED graphics (the “pixel” appearance, a gimmick of the brand's electrics), prominent body protections, horizontal lines on the sides, a robust C pillar and an inclined rear window.

The concept is based on 21-inch aerodynamic rims, surrounded by large fender extensions, and is accompanied by a solid roof rack with integrated lighting. However, these latter specificities should not survive on the production version which should make do with 19-inch rims, more traditional roof bars and simplified lighting.

Hyundai has not yet revealed the interior, but promises a spacious cabin, designed for families, with rear seats offering a high recline and a wide opening angle of the doors for easy access.

The Hyundai Initium only emits water

Powered by an improved fuel cell powertrain, known as FCEV (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle), the Initium has a 204 hp electric motor and large hydrogen tanks allowing it to travel more than 650 km between two refuelings , without indicating which approval cycle.

In comparison, the Nexo that it will replace delivers 162 hp and offers a range of 666 km according to the WLTP cycle in force in Europe and the Initium is supposed to do better. Hyundai achieved this increased performance by increasing the power of the fuel cell, including “durability has been improved by 40% compared to the Nexo“, and by improving the battery. In addition, the Initium will be able to power devices via the V2L function.

Faced with the challenges of refueling hydrogen vehicles, Hyundai has developed a route planner to help drivers locate charging stations, checking their availability and the number of vehicles waiting.

Hyundai's history in hydrogen technologies began 27 years ago, although the Nexo, the first dedicated model, only appeared in 2018. The production version of the Initium, planned for 2025, will embody the next step. Until then, Hyundai will display this concept at the Los Angeles and Guangzhou auto shows in November.