took the wraps off its second-generation Nexo hydrogen fuel cell SUV on Thursday. Based on the , the Nexo debuts Hyundai’s ‘Art of Steel’ design language, setting it apart from the BEV and ICE counterparts.

Compared to the , power output has gone up to 204hp (+40hp), but the 350Nm torque notes a 45Nm fall in the new Hyundai hydrogen car. 0-100kph time has been cut to 7.8 seconds, which took 9.2 seconds before, and its small 2.64kWh battery has an 80kW maximum output, translating into a 100 percent jump. The new powertrain further benefits from a bigger 6.69kg hydrogen tank, allowing for a range of over 700km (figure based on Hyundai’s internal testing).

Talking about the new Nexo’s overall design and look, it has a lot in common with last year’s concept. Also retained are grid-shaped ‘HTWO’ (Hydrogen for Humanity) front and rear lights, as well as H-shaped panels on the bumpers. The latter are finished in a silver shade, unlike the car’s black cladding. Over the traditional logo, four HTWO lights are placed on the nose and tailgate, which also appear like an ‘H’ but in Morse code.

2024 Hyundai Initium concept.

Initium’s roof-mounted carrier with lights has been replaced by regular roof rails. What’s not replaced are slim ORVMs, flush door handles and aero-efficient 18-inch wheels. Compared to other Hyundai SUVs, the Nexo boasts a more rakish rear roofline. The new Nexo uses a three-coat paint, creating a multidimensional effect where the body colour shifts depending on the angle of the light and the surrounding environment. A total of six colours will be on offer. It has become longer, taller and wider than its predecessor (see table below).

The next-generation Nexo borrows the 12.3-inch display pair for information and instrumentation from the . The dashboard is flanked by digital screens, which show camera feeds and replace regular ORVMs. A head-up display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, OTA updates, a 14-speaker Bang and Olufsen sound system, wireless charger and V2L (vehicle to load) are a few more feature offerings. Hyundai said that it has opted for slimmer seats in the new SUV to open up more space for passengers. Sustainable materials like bio-process leather, recycled PET fabric and linen fabric have been used in the cabin as well.

In 2018, the Nexo SUV became Hyundai’s first fuel-cell vehicle to achieve a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating, followed by a the next year. The Korean brand is targeting top-tier safety ratings with the new model as well, which is constructed using “hot stamping and high-strength materials to enhance body rigidity”. Furthermore, the Nexo features a multi-skeleton structure and up to nine airbags for the protection of passengers and the hydrogen tank. It is also equipped with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).

“Coming to global markets in 2025,” stated Hyundai at the Nexo’s unveiling, though a specific launch timeline was not specified. Hyundai has earlier showcased the Nexo in India at the and the , but the handful of hydrogen filling pumps severely restrict the Nexo’s sales potential here at the moment. That being said, it is conducting a feasibility study on fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) in India.