- A redesigned Hyundai Nexo hydrogen fuel cell crossover is set to debut in 2025
- The new Nexo will likely pack a more powerful powertrain than the current model.
- Hyundai remains committed to hydrogen powertrains, a technology it's been developing for almost three decades
Engineers from Hyundai are out testing prototypes for a second-generation Nexo hydrogen fuel cell crossover.
The current Nexo launched in 2018 as a 2019 model in the U.S. The redesigned one is due next year, meaning it will likely launch as a 2026 model in the U.S.
The design is a radical departure from the current Nexo, judging by the prototype in our spy shots. Gone are the fluid lines of the current model, replaced instead by a boxy shape similar to what's found on the redesigned Santa Fe. The same boxy shape is also expected to be adopted for the next Palisade, prototypes for which are also out testing.
There aren't any details for the powertrain, but a step in performance over the setup in the current Nexo is likely. The current Nexo features a single electric motor that's rated at 161 hp and draws its energy from a hydrogen fuel cell stack and 1.6-kwh battery. The fuel cell generates about 127 hp on its own and the battery can supply an additional 53 hp during high-load situations.
2021 Hyundai Nexo
The EPA-rated range is 380 miles on a fill of hydrogen (up to 14 pounds can be stored) but the new generation is expected to deliver closer to 500 miles, possibly with the aid of a bigger battery.
Hyundai has been developing hydrogen powertrains for almost three decades and has no plans of abandoning the technology, despite the dearth of demand and fueling infrastructure. In addition to the current Nexo, Hyundai also offers hydrogen semi-trailer trucks and is rumored to be readying a hydrogen sports car based on its N Vision 74 concept from 2022.
Hyundai in September also signed a deal with General Motors to explore the potential for collaboration in multiple areas, including hydrogen technologies.
Other automakers plan to offer new hydrogen vehicles. Toyota, which offers the hydrogen-powered Mirai, entered a partnership with BMW in September to jointly develop hydrogen powertrains. BMW said when announcing the partnership that it will have a hydrogen vehicle in showrooms by 2028. Honda also offers its CR-V with a hydrogen powertrain.
