Hyundai has been involved in hydrogen vehicle research and development for nearly three decades now, a nod to the company’s vision that hydrogen may well play an important part in our motoring future. That future seems more plausible given the vast deposits of extractible geologic ‘natural’ hydrogen recently discovered in the U.S. and around the world. The hydrogen NEXO fuel cell vehicle has been Hyundai’s most recent standard bearer in this realm since its debut in 2019.
The Korean automaker’s latest advancement is the debut of its second generation NEXO hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle, a nameplate that debuted at the Consumer Electronics Show as a replacement to the Tucson FCEV back in 2019. The all-new 2026 NEXO improves on its predecessor in important ways, not the least of which is its ability to drive a projected 400 miles courtesy of an improved fuel cell, higher output motor drive system, larger hydrogen tank, and bigger battery.
Longer, taller, and wider than the model that came before it, the all-new NEXO features a more chiseled appearance and improved aerodynamics for efficiency. Exterior design cues include bold lines, horizontal groove patterns, an arch-shaped cross section, distinctive HTWO headlamps, and four “dot” lamps within the grille that distinguish NEXO as a hydrogen fuel cell model. An extensive suite of driver assistance and active safety systems is provided. Six color choices will be available including Ocean Indigo Matte, Ecotronic Gray Pearl, Creamy White Pearl, Amazon Gray Metallic, Goyo Copper Pearl, and Phantom Black Pearl.
NEXO is designed to be more than just a sustainably powered vehicle. Its interior is replete with sustainable materials including bio-process leather, bio plastics, recycled PET fabric, bio paint, bio PU slab foam, and recycled automotive plastic waste. The spacious cabin’s design theme aims to impart the comfort of home through features like soft padding with patterns while also reinforcing its high-tech nature with a curved information display, dashboard-integrated digital side mirror displays, and an island-type center console with a 120-volt AC outlet powered by the vehicle’s high voltage battery.
Greater overall performance is delivered with a new power electronics system that increases NEXO’s total power output from its previous 184 horsepower to a new 258 horsepower rating. Battery output has doubled to 80 kW while hydrogen stack output has increased 16 percent to 110 kW. All this delivers improved 0-62 mph (0-100 km) acceleration in just 7.8 seconds, a 1.4 second improvement from the previous generation NEXO.
While available to global markets later this year, in the States the hydrogen NEXO will be available only in California. Price will be released closer to the NEXO’s launch date.
Hyundai, part of a very exclusive club offering hydrogen fuel cell vehicles in the U.S., has followed its initial Tucson FCEV with the all-new Nexo. It’s available only in California where hydrogen fueling opportunities, while limited, exist in greater numbers compared to other states.
The Nexo represents a step forward for FCEVs in that Hyundai is selling the 5-passenger hatchback and not just leasing it, as is typically the case with hydrogen vehicles. It also uses a purpose-built platform rather than being based on an existing model like the Tucson FCEV.
As a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, the Nexo’s fuel cell takes in hydrogen and oxygen to create electricity for powering an electric motor, with zero emissions. The heart of the Nexo is its 95-kW proton-exchange membrane fuel cell stack and 1.6-kWh lithium-ion battery pack. These supply electricity to a 161-horsepower, 291 lb-ft AC induction motor located beneath the hood. Power is transferred to the road through a single-speed, direct-drive gearbox. Hydrogen is stored in three 10,000 psi tanks with a total capacity of 156 liters, delivering an EPA estimated driving range up to 380 miles.
Hyundai reduced the size and weight of the fuel cell compared to that used in the earlier Tucson FCEV. The new fuel cell uses only 56 grams of expensive platinum rather than the Tucson’s 78 grams. Hyundai also improved cold-weather performance so the fuel cell starts in temperatures as low as -22 degrees F. Like the Tucson and other fuel cell vehicles, refueling with hydrogen can be done in as little as five minutes.
