Hyundai has constantly posed a challenge to the clean mobility realm, and the brand is now changing the rules of EVs. The automaker with South Korean roots has come up with a next-generation fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV). For this upcoming model, Hyundai has fused hydrogen and oxygen to produce a vehicle promising 255 hp. The new Nexo platform poses the question of whether this brand is reworking the script in terms of the full potential of hydrogen, and extending the pull towards hydrogen beyond its current powertrain usage.
Offering hydrogen power at an all-new level
The arrival of the new Nexo platform has come at a time when many automakers have chosen to turn their backs on hydrogen. Hyundai, however, has chosen to refine its technology while still focusing on hydrogen. The upgraded fuel proposed by the brand amalgamates oxygen and hydrogen. The result is that only water vapor is given off as a byproduct.
The brand decided to accelerate its offering by not only changing the fuel choice but also by delivering on a promise of 255 hp in the process. Due to better hydrogen compression and air-control valves, there is an instant power boost without any sacrifice on efficiency. The system can keep a constant output even with the more demanding loads.
The other change that this South Korean automaker has opted for is that of engineering the entire stack into a compact casing. In this way, safety is ensured during collisions, and weight gets trimmed too.
More improvements than just the powertrain itself
The brand was keen on making an impression that extends beyond the reimagined fuel choice. The advanced model will, as such, include e-Handling software, Active Noise Control, and road-noise cancelling.
The Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNc) has a 12.3-inch display showcasing driver information with CarPlay and Android Auto also on offer.
Futuristic technology is at the heart of this innovation
Aside from the change in fuel choice, futuristic technology is at the heart of the innovation. Just like EVs, this hydrogen EV will support vehicle-to-load (V2L) output and allow towing capability of up to 2,200 pounds in European models, making it a futuristic vehicle with impressive strength. Certain models will also feature digital trims, which have become very common throughout South Korea. The digital mirrors improve nighttime visibility as well as aerodynamics. While digital mirrors are more dominant in Korea, certain U.S. Hyundai versions will skip these digital mirrors.
Hyundai already managed to drift the plot slightly by sealing a mythical comeback from 1974, which was the first hybrid without gasoline, and now this hydrogen offering means the brand is looking away from gasoline yet again.
Advancing towards a Hyundai hydrogen future
Hyundai has managed to sell thousands of new-generation Nexo models in South Korea; however, it is yet to be seen if there is scope for Hyundai in the U.S. America’s infrastructure is not yet up to date, but it is believed that this hydrogen model can surely succeed in any climate. Since hydrogen output facilities are increasing, there is hope from this company that hydrogen alternatives can exist alongside EVs and not replace them completely.
This car manufacturer has completely reimagined what electric vehicles of the future can be, whilst considering the possibility of mixing hydrogen and oxygen. This is perhaps one of the most lucrative alternatives to the trusted EVs. Should the entire world be ready to let this incredible brand in, the South Korean manufacturer may rewrite the future of electric vehicles for good. This time, it is not Toyota but Hyundai that is revealing a real hydrogen engine with a hidden detail, and with that, the brand is keen that hydrogen technology will most likely be the fuel choice of the future.
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