Hyundai’s New Nexo Hydrogen SUV
Hyundai has launched the all-new Nexo, the next generation of its hydrogen fuel cell SUV. It’s an impressive piece of design and has big tech upgrades, but hydrogen fueling infrastructure remains a limiting factor in North America.
Where will you Fill It?
Hyundai is just one of two manufacturers – Toyota is the other – offering a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle for sale to the public. In theory, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles offer the best of all worlds, zero emissions driving, the smoothness of an electric motor, and quick refueling from a pump that takes only a couple of minutes.
In practice, however, hydrogen fueling isn’t that convenient, even if you live in California, where most of the publicly accessible hydrogen filling stations are located. There are just over 50 hydrogen stations in the U.S., which is way fewer than the number of high-speed EV chargers or gasoline stations. So, unless you live or work near one of those stations, the advantages of driving on hydrogen diminish every time you need to find a station to fill up.
Nevertheless, the all-new Nexo, which replaces the Nexo which has been on sale for several years now, is a pretty impressive vehicle, and really moves the game on from the previous generation. It offers improved efficiency, performance, safety, and flexibility for those that want to drive a hydrogen vehicle, and it of course delivers zero tailpipe emissions.
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology
The fact that the new Nexo offers more than 430 EPA estimated miles of range may somewhat reduce the sting of having to find a hydrogen station to fuel up, though many EVs are now starting to approach similar distances. Its hydrogen tank, which stores fuel under high pressure, now holds 6.69 kg of hydrogen, up from 6.33 kg in the previous-generation vehicle, and does so with increased density, improving the available space in the cabin and storage area.
Nexo’s on-board hydrogen fuel cell stack delivers 16 percent more gross power than before. The fuel cell stack essentially acts as an on-board refinery, converting hydrogen fuel into electricity while producing just water for emissions. Hyundai says that the new stack works better at low temperatures and is more durable than before, making the new Nexo more suited to year-round driving.
Improved Electric Drivetrain
A new electric motor system delivers increased power, upping horsepower from 181 to 250 horsepower, contributing to improved acceleration. The Nexo can now zip to 60 mph in less than 8 seconds, compared to 9 seconds for the previous model.
The Nexo does, however, remain two-wheel drive; despite its SUV package, all-wheel drive is not available. However, an “e-handling” system is said to improve grip, steering response and stability by adjusting the motor’s output continuously while cornering. Smart regenerative braking uses navigation data and gauges the distance to vehicles ahead to manage deceleration, making for a more relaxing driving experience, and improving efficiency.
Longer, wider, and taller than before, the new Nexo has a larger cargo area, which is big enough now to hold up to four golf bags, and there’s a new movable shelf that improves cargo-carrying flexibility. The interior is also bigger than before, promising increased driver and passenger comfort.
Inside the New Nexo
As you might expect, the interior features sustainable materials throughout, including bio-process leather, recycled fabrics, bio plastic, bio paint, bio foam, and recycled plastics. The combined effect is a richly luxurious interior that also feels modern and high-tech, a feel enhanced by the curved digital display, simplified controls, and island-style center console with lots of flexible storage. In some markets, digital side-view mirrors integrate into the dashboard.
Like the popular Ioniq 5 crossover, the Nexo has Hyundai’s “premium relaxation” seats with leg rests, which are some of the best we’ve experienced in a mainstream car. Their slim backs clear more room for rear-seat passengers, and seat ventilation is available front and rear. Both front and rear passengers have more headroom and shoulder room, and the rear doors open wider to make getting in and out easier.
From the outside, the new Nexo looks nothing like its predecessor, replacing the smooth, if anonymous styling with a far more chiseled look offering bold lines and strong “structural” elements that make it feel much more rugged than before. Hyundai’s signature “pixel” lighting, seen on all of its zero-emissions models, is also present. While it looks more boxy and rugged than before, aerodynamic improvements have actually helped to reduce drag and improve efficiency.
Who Is the Hyundai Nexo For?
Overall, the new Nexo is a really impressive package, though the elephant in the room remains hydrogen infrastructure. The vehicle’s FCEV (fuel cell electric vehicle) route planner will help find refueling stations, but when there are so few public fueling stations available, the Nexo will likely only be suited for those who live and drive in the vicinity of those stations and won’t be great for long road trips, no matter how efficient or refined it is.
So, much like prior generations of hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles, the Nexo is likely to remain a very niche product, a demonstration of the potential of hydrogen technology for a small number of buyers. If you see one on the road, it’s likely to be in California, and it’s likely to be driven by a technology enthusiast. We’re still glad it exists, and glad that Hyundai continues to push the technological boundaries of zero-emissions driving.
