Hyundai Motor Company has unveiled its new hydrogen fuel cell electric (FCEV) concept vehicle, the INITIUM. The new concept, which showcases the brand’s perspective on hydrogen mobility and sustainability, will go on sale in the first half of 2025. First showcased in November at the Los Angeles Auto Show and then at the Guangzhou Auto Show, INITIUM will symbolize the beginning of a new era for hydrogen energy.
INITIUM is a Latin word meaning 'beginning' or 'first'. This name, which was specifically chosen by Hyundai, also provides important clues about the brand's future strategies and the path it will follow. The concept summarizes Hyundai's 27-year hydrogen technology development and is also of great importance for creating a sustainable hydrogen society.
The hydrogen fuel cell-powered SUV concept also marks the beginning of a new design language for Hyundai called “Art of Steel,” which also reflects the character of HTWO, Hyundai Motor Group’s dedicated hydrogen value chain business line.
“Hyundai’s clear and unwavering commitment to hydrogen over the past 27 years is based on our belief that it is a clean and accessible energy source for all,” said Jaehoon Chang, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company. “We are dedicated to leading a future where hydrogen is used by everyone, in everything, everywhere.”
What is Hyundai's new 'Art of Steel' design language?
SangYup Lee, Executive Vice President and President of Hyundai and Genesis Global Design, interprets the INITIUM concept and Hyundai’s new ‘Art of Steel’ design language as an art form. Arguing that steel should be taken to the extreme, along with its malleability, LEE says that with INITIUM, they have demonstrated their commitment to users with a design that is robust, safe and emphasizes more SUVs.
INITIUM's iconic design symbolizes Hyundai's hydrogen-powered future vision, while also providing the brand with a distinctive characteristic feature along with a new-generation lighting signature. The graphic theme inspired by the plus (+) sign blends with the bumpers to create a unique lighting effect, while also creating a design language specific to FCEV vehicles.
The most distinctive feature of INITIUM is its bold lines and robust structure on the body. Thus, it perfectly combines city life with open air, i.e. off road usage. Balancing the robustness and sophistication required in off road areas, the concept also draws attention with its 21-inch wheels.
INITIUM takes hydrogen performance, comfort and safety one step further.
The development of INITIUM focuses on three main points. The main strengths of hydrogen cars, superior driving range and improved performance, are the most important criteria. In addition, the spacious interior and luggage space, which are ideal for families, are another important feature of the vehicle. The unique comfort and safety features specific to hydrogen cars are also among the indispensable features of the concept.
One of the biggest advantages of a hydrogen FCEV is its impressive driving range and the flexibility it brings. Hyundai has equipped the concept with larger hydrogen fuel tanks to maximize driving range, thus increasing the benefits of hydrogen FCEVs.
Hyundai is also targeting a driving range of more than 650 km in INITIUM, using tyres with lower rolling resistance and aerodynamic rims that reduce friction. Offering excellent acceleration and smooth driving ability, the concept car has a supported power output of up to 150 kW.
INITIUM also tackles the issue of charging infrastructure, which is seen as one of the biggest problems for FCEV users, in a different way. Featuring a route planner specific to FCEV, the car can quickly find charging stations along the way and create an optimal route without the need for a separate app or phone guidance. Users can also check the location accessibility of a specified charging station, its operating status, as well as the number of vehicles waiting and the possibility of charging.
INITIUM’s hydrogen fuel cell can power various household appliances and personal devices via V2L, as with other electric models. It can also charge other electric vehicles and can be connected directly to a 220V household outlet.
Hyundai accelerated the development of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles by establishing the Mabuk Environmental Technology R&D Center in 2005. Mong Koo Chung, who was the Honorary President of Hyundai Motor Group at the time, encouraged the engineers at the facility to push the boundaries and ensured that they overcame their challenges with courage and confidence. Thus, Chung, who made the brand's mark on the field of hydrogen technologies, said in a speech, "You can never do great things by doing something just once. Don't worry about the budget, let young engineers try to produce any type of vehicle they dream of. You don't need to save money by developing the same vehicle 100 times. It's okay if 100 models are completely different from each other."
Hyundai’s hydrogen evolution began in 2018 with the introduction of its first dedicated hydrogen fuel cell model, the NEXO. As the world’s first automaker to mass-produce hydrogen FCEVs, Hyundai will continue to produce even more diverse and technological models in the future.
