Hyundai Initium concept previews next-gen Nexo 

Hyundai has debuted a new hydrogen fuel cell concept ahead of its first public appearances at the LA and Guangzhou motor shows next month, previewing a production model due in the first half of next year. 

Tipped by many as the second-generation Nexo medium SUV, the 2024 Hyundai Initium concept sports a ‘targeted’ fuel range of more than 650km and a maximum output of 150kW from its singular electric motor. 

Engineers claim to have increased the output of the fuel stack and enhanced the battery capacity compared to the aging and similarly-sized Nexo while its new ‘Art of Steel’ design language takes the aesthetic of the car in a completely different direction, blending square elements of the Santa Fe with the tapered-off roofline of the Nexo. 

“Our challenge began from the manufacturing stage, where we pushed the formability of steel to the extreme to create a form of art,” Hyundai design boss SangYup Lee said.  

“With Initium, we’ve crafted a more SUV-like design that is both solid and safe, reflecting our dedication to our customers through ‘customer-centric design’.” 

The more rugged and SUV-like design has freed up more room in the cabin as well as bigger openings for the doors and tailgate. 

Practical and convenient touches include wide-opening rear doors, a ‘large reclining angle’ for the rear seats, 220V vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality, a FCEV-specific route planner and nine air bags. 

FCEVs are few and far between on Aussie roads – the bulk of them are reserved for government fleets and zero-emission vehicle trials, however a handful for Nexos were made available to consumers in 2021 on a subscription basis as opposed to being available to purchase outright. 

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