THE KOREA ECONOMIC DAILY, GLOBAL EDITION

South Korea’s top automaker Hyundai Motor Co. on Thursday unveiled a new hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) concept, previewing its next-generation design language for a hydrogen-powered crossover to arrive in 2025.

The Initium is the successor to Hyundai’s first mass-produced FCEV Nexo crossover, sporting across-the-board improvements in range, efficiency and power.

Unveiled at the automaker’s Clearly Committed event at Hyundai Motor Studio Goyang, west of Seoul, the Initium FCEV crossover is designed to achieve a driving range of over 650 km and a maximum motor output of 150 kW.

Hyundai said it will showcase the Initium at the Los Angeles Auto Show and Auto Guangzhou in November to solidify its position in the global market as a hydrogen mobility leader.

The production version of the Initium concept is set to launch in the first half of 2025, it said.

Hyundai Motor plans to showcase Initium to the public at the Los Angeles Auto Show and Auto Guangzhou in China, both to be held next month.

Hyundai said Initium, a Latin word meaning beginning or first, represents its status as a hydrogen energy pioneer.

The concept encapsulates the company’s 27 years of hydrogen technology development and reflects its clear commitment to achieving a sustainable hydrogen society, it said.

“Hyundai Motor’s clear, unwavering commitment to hydrogen over the past 27 years is rooted in our belief that hydrogen is a clean, accessible and fair energy source for everyone. We are dedicated to pioneering a future where hydrogen is used by everyone, in everything and everywhere,” said Hyundai Motor Chief Executive Chang Jae-hoon at the event.

ART OF STEEL: NEW DESIGN LANGUAGE

The hydrogen fuel cell-powered SUV concept marks the debut of Hyundai’s new design language – Art of Steel – embodying the character of HTWO, Hyundai Motor Group’s dedicated hydrogen value chain business brand.

“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,” said Lee Sang-yup, executive vice president and head of Hyundai and Genesis Global Design.

The company said the concept’s 21-inch wheels complement the overall design, with the vehicle’s rugged roof rack adding practicality for those with both urban and outdoor lifestyles.

One of the biggest advantages of a hydrogen FCEV is its impressive driving range.

Hyundai said it equipped the Initium with large hydrogen fuel tanks to maximize the vehicle’s range, enhancing the benefits of hydrogen FCEVs.

The new model also offers a spacious interior and versatility suitable for a family SUV, with a large living space for second-row passengers that features seat backs with a large reclining angle for increased comfort.

The Initium’s wide body and large rear-door opening angle enhance convenience for rear-seat passengers when getting in and out of the car, it said.

The vehicle features an FCEV-specific route planner that addresses one of the biggest pain points for FCEV buyers: charging infrastructure.

With this feature, Hyundai said drivers can easily plot an optimal route, finding charging stations along the way without having to access a separate app or make a phone call.

To ensure ample safety for passengers in the event of a collision, the vehicle is reinforced with a multi-skeleton structure at the front as well as a side body structure, and incorporates nine airbags, ensuring world-class collision safety performance.

WORLD’S FIRST MASS-PRODUCED HYDROGEN VEHICLE

Hyundai Motor made its first foray into the field of hydrogen vehicles in 1998 under the leadership of Chung Mong-koo, the automotive group’s honorary chairman and the current Chairman Chung Euisun’s father.

In 2000, Hyundai unveiled its first hydrogen vehicle jointly developed with US fuel cell company UTC Power.

In 2013, Hyundai became the industry’s first to mass-produce hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, launching the Tucson ix Fuel Cell, and in 2018 introduced its dedicated hydrogen fuel cell model, the Nexo.

The Hyundai Nexo is the world’s best-selling hydrogen FCEV, closely followed by Toyota Motor Corp.’s Mirai.

In February, Hyundai Motor took over the fuel cell business from its auto parts and components-producing sibling Hyundai Mobis Co., accelerating its plan to foster hydrogen energy as its next growth driver.

Earlier this week, Hyundai’s Chung Euisun and Toyota Motor Chairman Akio Toyoda agreed to deepen their ties in hydrogen vehicles and robotics to lead in the future mobility era.

Write to Jung-Eun Shin at newyearis@hankyung.com

In-Soo Nam edited this article.