Hyundai Delays Next-Gen Hydrogen-Powered Nexo
Hyundai’s been charging hard on the expansion of its battery-electric vehicles while still developing its hydrogen fuel-cell program further.
However, that “track” suffered a bit of a set back as the second edition of its Nexo fuel-cell vehicle appears to be delayed until 2024. A South Korean newspaper reported Wednesday the company is still dealing with issues related to fuel-cell development, according to Reuters.
The automaker was tracking to debut the next-gen model next year with production beginning late in the year. However, the development issues now have pushed the start of production to 2024, the Seoul Economic Daily reported.
It’s unclear if the delay will have any impact on hydrogen fuel cell vehicles for Hyundai’s luxury brand, Genesis.
Zero emissions programs
While Hyundai’s pushed hard to expand its electric vehicle program, saying there would be electrified versions of all its vehicles by the end of the decade, it also continued its fuel cell development, particularly for commercial trucks.
However, the Nexo, which made its debut in 2018 as a 2019 model-year vehicle, gave the company a real world option, in addition to the Tucson, which has been offered as a fuel cell vehicle since 2005, the company offered the Santa Fe as a FCV in 2001.
The goal with the next round of fuel-cell EVs was to make them smaller, more powerful and more durable than their predecessors. The new Nexo is supposed to come in 100kW and 200kW variations with costs being lowered by more than 50%, total package volume reduced by 30% and power output doubled, the company said.
The company also looked to give fuel cells a little pizzazz, showing off the Vision FK concept, a rear-wheel drive hydrogen-powered sports car. The fuel-cell hybrid puts out 500 kW, or about 670 horsepower, racing from 0 to 62 mph less than 4 seconds, officials said. They noted it has a range of 600 kilometers, or about 372 miles.
Hydrogen Wave
The company is looking to be a leader in hydrogen fuel-cell development and production. It laid out its plans last fall to rise to the challenge.
Hyundai officials spoke frequently about what they called a “hydrogen society.” In essence, this concept means hydrogen plays a massive role in keeping quality of life high while substantively reducing the impact everyday living has on climate change.
“There’s no question that hydrogen is one of the most powerful and pragmatic solutions for overcoming environmental challenges,” said Euisun Chung, chairman, Hyundai Motor Group. “However, it will take a large global community to foster a hydrogen society.”
Chung boiled it down into a simple mantra: Everyone, everything, everywhere. Hydrogen Vision 2040. For Hyundai, it means an accelerated roll out of hydrogen-powered vehicles of all types as well as developing ways to use the technology in other facets of our daily lives.
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