- The Initium concept gives us an early look at Hyundai’s next generation FCEV offering.
- The SUV introduces Hyundai’s new styling language and promises over 404 miles of range.
- The production version will arrive in 2025, serving as a replacement for the Hyundai Nexo.
Hyundai unveiled a new concept, previewing the successor of the hydrogen-powered Nexo that will arrive in the first half of 2025. The Hyundai Initium introduces a new styling language, and is fitted with an FCEV powertrain, promising over 650 km (404 miles) of range.
Initium means “beginning” or “first” in Latin, communicating Hyundai’s intent to become a “hydrogen energy pioneer”. This is also a fitting name for a concept that showcases Hyundai’s new “Art of Steel” design language, before it gets applied to production vehicles.
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The exterior of the SUV blends elements from the fully electric Ioniq 5 and the ICE-powered Santa Fe. Highlights include the boxy LED graphics, the pronounced skid plates, the horizontal stampings on the profile, the strong C-pillar, and the inclined rear glass. The concept rides on 21-inch aero-optimised wheels, covered by wide fender extensions. It also features a rugged roof rack with integrated lights.
Recent spy shots suggest that the production version will feature much smaller wheels, regular roof rails, and more conventional lighting units.
Hyundai didn’t show the interior, but promises a spacious cabin designed for families. Second-row passengers will have access to plenty of room, and a large reclining angle for the seatbacks. Furthermore, the large rear door opening angle is said to improve ingress-egress.
In terms of safety, the SUV will have nine airbags, and feature a strong chassis with a “multi-skeleton structure” at the front and additional reinforcements on the sides.
Improved FCEV Powertrain
The Hyundai Initium is powered by an electric motor producing 201 hp (150 kW / 204 PS), with large hydrogen tanks allowing over 650 km (404 miles) of range. For comparison, the outgoing Nexo produces 161 hp (120 kW / 162 PS) of power and has 612 km (380 miles) of EPA range.
According to the company, the improved figures were achieved by increasing the output of the fuel cell stack, and enhancing the battery capacity. The Initium will also be able to use its fuel cell to power household appliances and personal devices through the V2L feature.
The biggest challenge for FCEV owners is refuelling, due to the limited network. For this reason, Hyundai created a new route planner that helps the driver find hydrogen stations along the away, checking their availability and operating status. Furthermore, the system can also detect how many vehicles are waiting in line at the hydrogen station of interest.
Hyundai’s FCEV development started 27 years ago, although the first dedicated hydrogen fuel cell model – the Nexo – didn’t appear until 2018. When it arrives in the first half of 2025, the production version of the Initium will signal the next chapter. Before that happens, Hyundai will exhibit the concept at the Los Angeles Auto Show in the US, and at the Auto Guangzhou in China, bot scheduled for November.
