Automotive

Hyundai's hydrogen-powered NEXO EV boasts fast refueling, 370-mile range

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The NEXO aims to be the successor for the long-running Tucson FCEV launched in 2014
Hyundai
The NEXO's raked roof line gives it an extremely sporty look
Hyundai
The NEXO's powertrain is more compact thanks to a lighter fuel-cell stack and battery as well as a lighter hydrogen fuel storage system
Hyundai
The NEXO aims to be the successor for the long-running Tucson FCEV launched in 2014
Hyundai
Thanks to powertrain updates, the NEXO's electric motor has had a 20% power increase and results in an output of 120 kW
Hyundai
0-60 mph (0-97 km/h) for the NEXO takes just 9.5 seconds, which is 3 seconds faster than the Tucson FCEV
Hyundai
The NEXO supports 350 bar and 700 bar refueling systems and if using a 700 bar system, refueling takes just 5 minutes
Hyundai
There is no word from Hyundai on an outright purchase option as the Tucson FCEV was only able to be purchased through a lease agreement 
Hyundai
The NEXO is physically bigger than the Tucson FCEV but despite this, the range is now 370 miles (596 km), compared to the Tucson’s 265 miles (427 km)
Hyundai
The NEXO's front headlamps are split like the units found on the new Kona crossover and result in a sleek and clean front end
Hyundai
A subtle design touch is the identically-shaped tail lamps and head lamps, which gives it a sense of symmetry between the front and the rear
Hyundai
The interior of the NEXO utilizes a digital screen for the central cluster, a large infotainment screen, flush-mounted buttons as well as a floating center console
Hyundai
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Hyundai is continuing to spearhead the development of hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles with a follow up to the Tucson FCEV it launched in 2014. Unveiled at CES 2018, the Next-Generation Fuel Cell Vehicle (NEXO) brings updated styling and technology, increased power and torque, improved fuel economy, a five minute refueling and a range of 370 miles.

The NEXO's funky styling is the most noticeable change compared to its predecessor thanks to a split headlamp setup similar to the Kona, sleek silhouette, large multi-spoke wheels and flush, pop-out door-handles.

The NEXO has a host of electronic driver aids to help improve safety. It features an industry-first Blind-spot View Monitor (BVM) that uses wide-angle cameras on either side of the car and a display in the cluster to provide a video feed of areas around the car that wouldn't be visible through a traditional rear-view mirror.

Thanks to powertrain updates, the NEXO's electric motor has had a 20% power increase and results in an output of 120 kW
Hyundai

Lane Following Assist (LFA) makes its debut on the NEXO, and combined with Highway Driving Assist (HDA) this enables the NEXO to maintain lane positioning and a safe distance from the vehicle in front between 0 and 90 mph (145 km/h).

The NEXO's final party-piece is Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA), which will allow it to park or retrieve itself from a parking space autonomously.

Significantly improved over its predecessor, the NEXO's drivetrain includes a lighter and more powerful fuel-cell stack and battery, which brings output up from 124 kW to 135 kW. Hyundai is also developing the NEXO so that it can be used as a mobile energy station to provide power to camper vans.

The NEXO supports 350 bar and 700 bar refueling systems and if using a 700 bar system, refueling takes just 5 minutes
Hyundai

The electric motor's power and torque has been increased from 100 kW to 120 kW, and 221 lb-ft to 291 lb-ft, respectively. Zero to 60 mph (0-97 km/h) takes 9.5 seconds, which is 3 seconds less than the Tucson. Hyundai also says the new powertrain is more durable and can withstand temperatures ranging from -20º F (-29º C) to 120º F (49º C).

Thanks to these updates the range figure has now increased to an estimated 370 miles (596 km), compared to the Tucson's 265 miles (427 km). The NEXO also supports 350 bar and 700 bar refueling systems, meaning it can be refueled in 5 minutes.

The sleek, luxurious feel continues on the inside with a large digital cluster, infotainment screen, flush-mounted buttons and a floating center console.

The NEXO is set to be available in dealers late 2018. There is no word from Hyundai on price, but it could follow in the footsteps of the Tucson FCEV which was made available through a $499 per month lease agreement that included free hydrogen fuel.

Source: Hyundai

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2 comments
Mr T
Seems a few companies still don't get how bad FCV are compared to EVs. The energy efficiency alone should be enough to discourage anyone from building FCVs. From well to wheel, it takes around 3 times as much energy to power a FCV as it does a pure EV, simply because the hydrogen production cycle is so inefficient and also requires constant recompression and cooling each time the hydrogen is transferred from one vessel to another. Plus, most hydrogen current comes from fossil fuels, but even if you make it from water using electrolysis you suffer the inefficiencies mentioned above. There's simply no way around this, it's basic physics.
Michael Allan
I'd like to read more information on the power-train . . . from power in to power out . . .