Hyundai Motor unveils all-new Nexo FCEV

‘Art of Steel’ exterior design and enhanced interior comfort adds to Nexo’s appeal

Based on the Initium concept unveiled in October 2024, the all-new Nexo embodies Hyundai Motor’s new ‘Art of Steel’ design language, reflecting the inherent strength and natural formability of the material. With the Nexo’s design, the resilience and versatility of steel deliver tension and strength, with the resulting shapes a form of art.

Nexo showcases a sturdy and sophisticated design, with bold lines and a solid structure that create a rugged image, while the vehicle’s arch-shaped cross section reinforces its strength. Nexo’s horizontal groove patterns on the doors emphasize the vehicle’s durability, with the overall design suiting both urban and outdoor lifestyles.

The vehicle’s exterior is defined by its ‘HTWO’ Lamps, creating a distinctive FCEV-specific design cue that blends boldness with refinement, neatly encapsulating Hyundai Motor Group’s HTWO hydrogen brand and its ‘Hydrogen for Humanity’ message. The 4 Dot Lamps also ensure the all-new Nexo is recognisable as a Hyundai at night.

The new-generation Nexo will be available in six colors: Creamy White Pearl, Phantom Black Pearl, Amazon Gray Metallic, Ocean Indigo Matte, Ecotronic Gray Pearl, and Goyo Copper Pearl. This latter color was inspired by Korea’s nature and culture, embodying the essence of ‘Koreanism’.

Named after the Korean word ‘Goyo’, which means ‘serene’ or ‘tranquil’, this colour captures a unique charm that blends Korea’s traditional beauty with a modern aesthetic through its deep and rich tone. Nexo uses a three-coat paint process, creating a multidimensional effect where the body color shifts depending on the angle of the light and the surrounding environment, enhancing the vehicle’s distinctive presence.

Inside, Nexo offers a spacious environment designed to enhance passenger comfort and convenience. The interior uses rich, soft padding with patterns that evoke the warmth and comfort of a home. A curved, driver-centric display, intuitive controls and an island-type center console with impressive storage space are the key features. Digital side mirror displays integrate seamlessly as part of the dashboard, maximizing openness and practicality. This design creates a ‘Furnished Space’ infused with a high-tech feeling, delivering an engaging experience.

The all-new Nexo is longer, wider and taller than its predecessor, resulting in improved passenger comfort and increased rear cargo capacity, with a maximum of993 liters  – enough to accommodate up to four golf bags. The newly implemented platform in the luggage area  is designed to allow usersto freely select and utilize accessories tailored to their needs.

The interior also features first-row premium relaxation seats with leg rests. The first-row seats have slim backs that facilitate improved knee clearance and legroom for second-row passengers, whose comfort is further aided by ventilated seats that also offer an increased reclining angle compared with the previous Nexo. 

New fuel cell system and powertrain enhancements deliver performance improvements

The all-new Nexo boasts significant powertrain advancements. These advancements are centered around the fuel cell (FC) and power electronics (PE) systems, which have been enhanced to improve power output and performance.

A new motor system complements these enhancements, increasing the PE system’s power output and battery capacity. As a result, the total output has been elevated from 135 kW to 190 kW, while the battery’s output has doubled from 40 kW to 80 kW. These improvements contribute to a faster 0-100km/h acceleration time of 7.8 seconds compared with 9.2 seconds for the previous NEXO, ensuring excellent acceleration and smooth overtaking capability.

The hydrogen fuel cell stack now delivers maximum gross power of 110 kW, a 16 percent increase, while the new electric motor provides up to 150 kW. The FC stack also features improved low-temperature operability and durability enhancements, including to the membrane, and a uniform cell performance structure. The ‘Wake Up’ stack anti-freezing function and other system optimizations enhance low-temperature drivability and ease of starting year-round.