Hyundai Nexo 2nd Generation: Hydrogen SUV for the future or failed?

Hyundai Nexo 2nd Generation: Hydrogen SUV for the future or failed?

Österreich - The Hyundai Motor Company presented the second generation of its hydrogen SUV, the Nexo, today at the SEoul Mobility Show. This model represents significant progress in the area of ​​fuel cell technology, which converts hydrogen into electricity for electric drives and thus only generates water vapor as an emission. With a range of up to 700 kilometers and an output of 204 hp, the Nexo sets new standards in the hydrogen vehicle industry.

The new Nexo not only has technical improvements, but also shows a fresh design based on the initial initial presented in October. The striking, box-like shape with the pixel look, inspired by the Ioniq 5 and 6 models, immediately catches the eye. This includes slit-like front lights and a pronounced C-soul design. The trunk offers a voluminous capacity of up to 1719 liters.

technical details and innovations

In the technical equipment of the new Nexo, numerous improvements can be found. The system performance increases from 135 kW to 190 kW, while the fuel cell stack achieves an output of up to 110 kW. The highlights also include two new 12.3-inch displays and additional monitors for camera image transmission. In addition, the vehicle supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as over-the-air updates.

The hydrogen tanks of the nexo now hold 6.69 kg and enable a refueling in less than five minutes. The acceleration time from 0 to 100 km/h is now only 7.8 seconds, which is a significant improvement to the predecessor. The development of fuel cell technology is crucial, as international experts warn that investments in this technology may not be efficient because the automotive industry is increasingly focusing on battery technologies.

challenges of hydrogen infrastructure

However, the growing interest in hydrogen vehicles faces significant challenges. The expansion of the hydrogen filling stations remains inadequate, with only five stations in Austria and around 100 in Germany. Due to the high costs that arise in the provision of hydrogen tanks and their transport, the competitiveness of hydrogen vehicles remains questionable. The lack of green hydrogen is particularly problematic, the price of which is between 16 and 18 euros per kilogram.

The general number of admission for fuel cell vehicles is declining. While 900 cars were sold in 2022, the number fell to only 260 vehicles in 2023. The sales figures worldwide amount to only 4,800 units, which is a dramatic decline compared to the 15,000 in 2022. Experts see the fuel cell as failed and advise against further investments in this technology.

look into the future

governments worldwide recognize the need for a solid hydrogen infrastructure. Programs such as the Hydrogen Electric Vehicle Subsidy Program in South Korea aim to subsidize 11,000 hydrogen vehicles and 2,000 hydrogen buses. In the future development of hydrogen technology, an estimated market size of $ 1.5 billion is expected for 2024, with an annual growth rate of 27.2 % until 2034.

For more information about the new Hyundai Nexo, read Krone, [Inideevs] (https://insideevs.de/news/755451/hyundai--nexo:Züite-generation- Bunbish cell car presentation/) and GM) Insights.