Currently reading: Bold Hyundai Initium concept is first look at new Nexo

SUV introduces new 'Art of Steel' design language and more potent hydrogen powertrain

Hyundai has unveiled the Initium concept, a hydrogen fuel cell SUV that is all but confirmed to showcase the styling and technology of the next-generation Nexo.

Intended to demonstrate the brand’s commitment to hydrogen power, it packs a new powertrain that’s said to offer much greater performance than the one in the existing Nexo.

Its single electric motor puts out up to 201bhp, 40bhp more than the outgoing car's, and it is said to provide a smoother drive at motorway speeds.

Hyundai said it is targeting a range of more than 404 miles between fill-ups, which is on a par with the official 414-mile figure for the Nexo.

It also has vehicle-to-load functionality, allowing the car’s batteries to power external devices.

In addition to the technical developments, the Initium ushers in a new design language called ‘Art of Steel’. 

Hyundai Initium concept

It is said to be “solid and safe”, having been created in response to customer demand for SUVs. The plus-shaped graphic on the front daytime-running lights and rear lights is new and will be used to distinguish Hyundai’s hydrogen models from those with battery-electric and internal-combustion powertrains. 

The Initium also has a notably more rakish roofline than Hyundai’s other SUVs, hinting at how aerodynamics have been prioritised in its design.

Hyundai said the Initium previews a production fuel cell car that’s due to be unveiled by next summer. This is most likely to be the successor to the current Nexo, given its design closely mirrors that of prototypes previously spotted testing on public roads around Europe.

However, the brand has yet to announce whether that car will come to the UK and the current version has struggled to generate much impact: fewer than 50 Nexos have been sold here since it arrived five years ago.

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This is in large part due to the UK’s dwindling hydrogen refuelling infrastructure: just six stations are currently operational across the nation.

Charlie Martin

Charlie Martin Autocar
Title: Editorial assistant, Autocar

As part of Autocar’s news desk, Charlie plays a key role in the title’s coverage of new car launches and industry events. He’s also a regular contributor to its social media channels, providing videos for Instagram, Tiktok, Facebook and Twitter.

Charlie joined Autocar in July 2022 after a nine-month stint as an apprentice with sister publication What Car?, during which he acquired his gold-standard NCTJ diploma with the Press Association.

Charlie is the proud owner of a Fiat Panda 100HP, which he swears to be the best car in the world. Until it breaks.

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Andrew1 31 October 2024

If it's hydrogen it's dead on arrival. I don't even recall seeing a refilling station.

Arthur Sleep 31 October 2024

Amazing, isn't it?  What are they thinking?

catnip 31 October 2024

SUVs aren't my thing at all, but I like the look of this, far more interesting than the usual generic new releases which basically only differ in their "lighting signatures".

jason_recliner 31 October 2024
Let's Future!