Can the Latest Hyundai Nexo Offer Hydrogen EVs a Second Chance?

The promise of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles like the Hyundai Nexo is electric emissions and gasoline convenience. That promise, though, is hard to turn into reality. The second-generation Nexo promises to do it in a much cooler package than the first-gen model.

Hyundai’s second-gen Nexo is its latest and coolest attempt at a hydrogen-powered vehicle. The SUV won’t be for everyone, but it is undeniably cool. The styling comes almost fully intact from the Initium off-roader show vehicle, and the technology promises zero emissions without the charge times of a battery electric.

The first-generation Hyundai Nexo, which went on sale in 2018, is one of the rarest vehicles of all in the U.S. The elegant styling hides a hydrogen fuel cell, which converts hydrogen fuel into electricity with water the only real tailpipe emission.

It takes just a couple of minutes to fill the tank, and in the first-gen, you would get another 350 miles of range. But because there are only a handful of filling stations in the U.S., it’s not exactly a hot seller.

More Power, More Range, and Much More Rugged Looks

Hyundai, though, clearly believes in the tech. That’s why it has just launched the much cooler second-generation Nexo FCEV (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle).

The new Nexo drops the sleek look for a more rugged and aggressive design. Hyundai describes it as “art of steel.” We describe it as looking like a much cooler Kona or Ioniq 5 than the ones Hyundai offers — especially if you consider yourself to be an adventurer.

Nexo, though, isn’t about looks; it’s about hydrogen and fuel cells. The latest generation has improved electronics and a fuel cell that can produce more power. The cell now makes 110 kW (148 horsepower), 16% more. The electric motor that drives the Nexo now makes 255 horsepower instead of 180.

More power means Nexo can now do 0 to 62 mph in 7.8 seconds. Not quick by modern standards, but a second and a half quicker than the old one. And plenty quick compared with some of our own rigs. It can also tow 1 tonne, which is better than the previous figure of zero.

Hyundai is targeting 434 miles from a fill-up of its tank. The system can hold up to 14.7 pounds of hydrogen in its storage tank. Just don’t ask about the price, because that’s more than $200 of hydrogen. Hey, it’s still a developing fuel source, and at least it takes less than 5 minutes to completely fill it.