For Hyundai, the future of mobility is not reduced to 100% battery electric cars, as demonstrated by its latest launch: the new Hyundai Initum, a hydrogen fuel cell electric prototype (FCEV) with a power of 150 kW (203 HP), which announces up to 650 km of autonomy.
This Hyundai hydrogen fuel cell concept not only allows us to take a first look at the production model that will arrive in the first half of 2025, but with the Initum also comes a first preview of what will be the new design language of Hyundai. the Korean brand, named “Art of Steel” or ‘Steel Art’.
Hyundai INITIUM hydrogen FCEV is a first look at the new design language
The Hyundai Initum, presented at the latest edition of the Los Angeles Motor Show (USA), honors its name to the 27 years that the brand has been researching in the field of hydrogen, being one of the pioneers in this field. ‘Initium’ is a Latin word that means ‘beginning’ or ‘first’ and represents the Korean company’s commitment to the development of this technology.
As for the exterior design of the Hyundai Initium, it responds to the new “Art of Steel” brand language, with very straight lines that are quite daring (especially towards the C-pillar) and a structure that gives it a very solid, robust appearance, without lose elegance. Likewise, what is striking is what seems to be generous dimensions for passengers.
The prototype, with a large – and darkened – glass surface, has very striking optics: in addition to the futuristic-tinted front headlights, the fog and rear lights are divided into four square sections, which form the “+” symbol when they are on. . The vehicle also incorporates the “HTwo” (H2) symbol, a clear allusion to hydrogen.
Designed to circulate both in the city and outside of it, according to Hyundai, the hydrogen FCEV has a ground clearance apparently higher than the average of current SUVs, and incorporates accessories ‘with a country touch’ such as the large bumpers or the underbody protectors. The set is finished off with large 21” wheels with aerodynamic tires and an “X” shaped roof rack.
The Hyundai has an electric motor powered by hydrogen with a maximum power of 150 kW (203 HP), which announces up to 650 km of autonomy, although this is preliminary and has been measured with a unit that had 18″ wheels, according to the brand. . The hydrogen fuel cell “can also supply electricity to appliances and devices by connecting the model to a 220 V outlet.”
Inside, the hydrogen FCEV promises a spacious cabin “with an unprecedented level of versatility.” The reclining seats in the second row offer greater comfort, while the wide opening angle of the rear door facilitates entry and exit from the vehicle. And taking an example from the brand’s battery electric models, the Initium includes a route planner that makes it easy to find refueling stations.
At the moment its price is unknown, although what the brand has confirmed is that the definitive version “will enter production in the first half of 2025”. While Hyundai reinforces its commitment to hydrogen, the Korean manufacturer continues to invest in its line of battery-electric Ioniqs, being el Hyundai Ioniq 9 (an electric SUV with three rows of seats), the latest addition to the manufacturer’s electric offering.
Although hydrogen fuel cell cars are not intended to replace battery electric cars in the near future, Hyundai wants to demonstrate with the Initium that both technologies can coexist to move towards more sustainable transportation, in line with the commitment of another big car manufacturer like Toyota.
Hyundai has more than 25 years of accumulated experience with hydrogen, having presented the predecessor of the Hyundai ix35 FCEV in 2005 and the series production model arrived in 2013being a pioneer in his field. This offered 134 HP and a range of up to 594 km, but it was not very successful and its production ceased in 2018.
Currently the Hyundai Nexo, whose series production began precisely between 2018 and 2019, is the Korean brand’s flagship model with FCEV technology. Regarding his predecessor, He Hyundai Nexo Blue (on sale in the US from $60,000), has three fuel tanks and a range of up to 666 km.
Betting on a dual approach, promoting both the development of hydrogen and its Ioniq range of 100% battery electric cars, the Korean brand seeks to lead a path towards a cleaner and more efficient future, without limiting itself to a single technology.
Source: www.motorpasion.com
