Hyundai Initium: a hydrogen-powered SUV for 2025
Designed to replace the Nexo, this concept will be presented this month at both the Los Angeles Motor Show and the Guangzhou International Motor Show in China. It is due to launch in the first half of the year.
For those who doubted it, the Korean manufacturer is not giving up on hydrogen and will indeed be launching a new production vehicle next year. The choice of body style is that of an adventurous SUV, more appealing than the Nexo. The production version will probably be a bit sleeker. However, the symbolism lies elsewhere. The Korean manufacturer has chosen to change the name.
The SUV is called Initium, a Latin word meaning “beginning.” With this name, Hyundai aims to remind us that it was a pioneer (launching its first model before Toyota), with 27 years’ experience in fuel cells. This is being developed within an independent division, Htwo.
No technical details
In terms of performance, Hyundai has announced a range of over 650 km*. This is somewhat surprising, as there has been no improvement over the Nexo (which claims 666 km between fill-ups), and this range is now achieved by several battery-electric brands. All we know is that the manufacturer has increased the power of its cell and the capacity of its battery, but without providing any details. It is also mentioned that the SUV has large fuel tanks. We’ll have to make do with the 150 kW electric motor and a few minor details, such as the presence of a route planner that takes hydrogen stations and the foreseeable wait into account. The Initium will also be able to charge equipment using electricity, thanks to its V2L (vehicle-to-load) function.
While design is the main breakthrough, safety and comfort (with more space and easier boarding) are also emphasized.
*With 18-inch tires, not the 21-inch tires shown in the photo.
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