Hyundai is betting again on the Nexo hydrogen car. It will have a range of 700 kilometers and a new design inspired by other models. And it will be allowed to drive with a trailer.
Hyundai will soon present a new generation of their hydrogen car, the Hyundai Nexo. The new model promises improvements in several areas. In particular, the range will be increased in the upcoming Nexo hydrogen car.
The car is expected to have a range of around 700 kilometers, which puts it alongside the electric cars that can travel the furthest on a single charge. However, Hyundai highlights a key difference compared to battery-powered electric cars.
A Hyundai Nexo can be fully refueled in about five minutes. This of course requires that there is a hydrogen filling station nearby. It is a significantly faster process than charging an electric car battery.
Another advantage of hydrogen technology is that range is less affected by cold weather, which can be a challenge for battery-powered electric cars in the winter. The new Nexo looks to deliver more consistent range year-round.
In addition to the extended range, the car will also get more power, resulting in faster acceleration compared to the current model. The space in the cabin should also be improved.
Improvements and new features in Nexo
An interesting new feature is the ability to tow a trailer. The new Nexo will have a permitted towing weight of 1,000 kilograms. Hyundai points out that this is a first for a series-produced hydrogen car.
The car will also support V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) technology. This means that the car's fuel cell can supply power to external devices. In other words, you can use the car as a kind of mobile power bank.
The design of the new Nexo will be significantly different. Hyundai is inspired by the more angular design language. This is already seen on the brand's newer electric cars such as the IONIQ 5.
Hydrogen cars have generally struggled to gain traction in Europe. Only a few manufacturers, including Hyundai and Toyota, have invested in the technology. Sales figures have been modest.
The primary reason is the limited infrastructure. The number of hydrogen filling stations is still very low in most European countries. This makes it impractical for many to own a hydrogen car.
The future and challenges of the hydrogen car
However, Hyundai continues to develop and invest in hydrogen technology. The new Nexo is a clear signal that the brand still believes in hydrogen as part of the future of mobility.
The first generation of the Hyundai Nexo came on the market in 2018. The car's name is a reference to the Bornholm town of Nexo.
The first Nexo was originally introduced in Denmark. However, when the few Danish hydrogen filling stations closed, the Danish Hyundai importer chose to remove the car from the model range.
It is therefore uncertain whether the new generation of Hyundai Nexo will be sold in Denmark. It probably depends on the development of the Danish hydrogen infrastructure.
Although the hydrogen car faces challenges, Hyundai continues to develop. You can read more about Hyundai's other innovative cars, such as the popular electric car Hyundai IONIQ 5, here on Boosted.dk. We also follow developments in alternative fuels closely.
