New Hyundai Nexo FCEV mixes retro looks with hydrogen power
April 03, 2025 by Tom Wiltshire
Car changing is a big deal
The second generation of Hyundai’s hydrogen fuel cell SUV gets a bold design, a bigger interior and a reworked powertrain with a 435-mile range
Despite many touting them as the future, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles haven’t exactly taken off. That hasn’t stopped Hyundai from introducing a second generation of its Nexo hydrogen SUV.
Revealed at the Korean Mobility Show in Seoul, the new Nexo has a seriously standout design; leaning deep into the retro-futuristic vibe that underpins many of Hyundai’s concept cars. But it’s not just looks, as the Nexo has undergone serious development making it far more usable and desirable than ever before.
Hyundai sold very few examples of the previous Nexo in the UK, and our filling infrastructure is pitiful – just four hydrogen stations are available across the whole of the UK, compared to nearly 15,000 public fast chargers for electric cars. However, the new model could still be offered in the UK, with Hyundai hoping to lead the charge and force public investment in hydrogen infrastructure.
The only other hydrogen fuel cell car currently available is the Toyota Mirai, though BMW is trialling a fleet of hydrogen-powered X5 SUVs.
If Hyundai’s goal was to make the new Nexo desirable, it’s certainly achieved that. The retro design – inspired by 2024’s Initium concept car – is blocky and seriously cool, with a real 1980s vibe. Square headlights flank a grille with Hyundai’s pixel motif, a scene that’s echoed around the back.
The rear window slopes at a 45-degree angle and there are interestingly angled rear quarterlights, while horizontal lines on the doors give it the look of retro sheet metal. Beefy cladding around the rear arches and plenty of black trim add to the rugged air.
Inside, it’s more conventional, featuring Hyundai’s familiar dual-screen setup. The door mirrors are replaced with cameras, which feed through to displays at either end of the dash, while the whole affair gets some neat-looking padded fabric as opposed to a swathe of plastic.
The Nexo is longer, wider and taller than its predecessor, equating to more interior room and a massive 993-litre boot.
The Nexo’s upgraded powertrain is based around a new fuel cell, which feeds a battery to then power an electric motor. The result is a total of 201hp from a front-mounted electric motor, and a 0-62mph time of 7.8 seconds – 1.4s faster than the first-gen Nexo.
The hydrogen tank has also grown and can now accommodate 6.69kg, which gives a claimed range of more than 435 miles.
With its new size, range, and design, the Nexo could be an alternative to electric SUVs such as the Tesla Model Y or BMW iX3. However, hydrogen infrastructure in the UK is so poor that even if Hyundai does end up selling the Nexo here, it will remain an incredibly niche offering.
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