Hyundai may be busy developing an entire lineup of electric vehicles, but it evidently hasn’t forgotten its hydrogen efforts, as it has revealed a new Initium concept. The show car previews a production fuel cell-powered SUV that is set to be revealed in the first half of 2025, replacing the Nexo.
Part of the new HTWO hydrogen sub-brand, the Initium features a more powerful electric motor that now produces 204 PS (150 kW), up from the Nexo’s 163 PS (120 kW). That’s thanks to improved fuel cell technology that has not only increased the power output of the stack but also the battery capacity.
Driving range has also improved slightly from 609 km to over 650 km through the fitment of a larger hydrogen tank, and given that the Nexo has travelled significantly further than its claimed range to set a couple of distance records, we can expect the Initium-based model to do the same.
Looking like nothing else in Hyundai’s lineup, the Initium utilises HTWO’s new “Art of Steel” design language, sporting a boxy retro-futuristic aesthetic. At the front, you’ll find several four-point lights – including the main headlights in the bumpers – that form the unique “+” symbol.
The side of the car, meanwhile, is characterised by solid surfacing, chunky wheel arch and body claddings, a wraparound windscreen design and dramatic reverse-rake C-pillars that intersect the other body side creases and integrate separate quarter light windows. Four point taillights, a sizeable roof rack and 21-inch aero-design alloy wheels (which help to improve range) complete the look.
No interior images have been released just yet, but Hyundai claims the Initium offers plenty of interior space thanks to a wide body, with rear passengers in particular enjoying large door openings (for better entry and egress) and seat recline angles.
The Initium also comes with a route planner that plots optimal routes between hydrogen filling stations and shows the operating status and availability of the station, and even the number of vehicles waiting. A vehicle-to-load (V2L) function with a 220-volt socket is also fitted, while crash protection has been improved with a multi-skeleton front structure and the fitment of no less than nine airbags.
The Initium will be displayed at the Los Angeles Auto Show and Auto Guangzhou this month, ahead of the aforementioned production version reveal.
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