Hyundai Unveils New Hydrogen Concept Vehicle
Hyundai Motor Company will showcase its new hydrogen fuel cell electric (FCEV) concept vehicle “INITIUM” at the Los Angeles and Guangzhou Auto Shows in November. According to the company statement, Hyundai continues its model innovations, this time with a striking hydrogen concept.
Will Be Available in the First Half of 2025
The brand has introduced its new FCEV concept vehicle, “INITIUM.” This new concept showcases Hyundai’s vision for hydrogen mobility and sustainability and is scheduled to go on sale in the first half of 2025. Set to be unveiled in Los Angeles in November, followed by the Guangzhou Auto Show, “INITIUM” symbolizes the beginning of a new era for hydrogen energy.
The word “INITIUM” means ‘beginning’ or ‘first’ in Latin. This name, which was specifically chosen by Hyundai, provides important clues about the brand’s future strategies and the path it will follow. In addition to summarizing Hyundai’s 27 years of hydrogen technology development, the concept stands out as an important step in its goal of creating a sustainable hydrogen society.
Steel Art Design Style Begins
The hydrogen fuel cell-powered SUV concept marks the beginning of Hyundai’s new design approach, dubbed ‘Art of Steel.’ This design style also reflects the character of Hyundai Motor Group’s dedicated hydrogen value chain business line, HTWO.
Hyundai Motor Company President and CEO Jaehoon Chang, whose comments were included in the statement, said Hyundai’s clear and unwavering commitment to hydrogen over the past 27 years is based on the belief that it is a clean and accessible energy source for all. “We are dedicated to leading a future where hydrogen is used by everyone, in everything and everywhere,” Chang said.
Hyundai and Genesis Global Design Executive Vice President and President SangYup Lee also described the “INITIUM” concept and Hyundai’s new design language as an art form. Emphasizing that the shaping of steel should be taken to the extreme, Lee stated that with “INITIUM” they show their commitment to users with a design that emphasizes durability, safety and SUV.
New Generation Lighting Signature
The iconic design of “INITIUM” symbolizes Hyundai’s vision of a hydrogen-powered future, while also providing the brand with a distinctive characteristic feature with its new-generation lighting signature. The graphic theme inspired by the ‘plus’ sign blends with the bumpers to create a unique lighting and create a design language specific to FCEV vehicles.
The most distinctive feature of the “INITIUM” is its bold body lines and robust structure. Combining city life with open-air usage, the model has a design that balances the necessary robustness with sophistication. It draws attention with its 21-inch wheels. The development of the “INITIUM” focuses on three main points:
- Superior driving range and improved performance are the strengths of hydrogen cars.
- Spacious interior and luggage space, ideal for families.
- Unique comfort and safety features specific to hydrogen cars.
Hyundai has equipped the concept with larger hydrogen fuel tanks to maximize driving range. The brand aims for a driving range of more than 650 kilometers in the “INITIUM” and uses lower rolling resistance tires and aerodynamic rims that reduce friction. Offering successful acceleration and smooth driving ability, the concept car has a supported power output of up to 150 kilowatts.
FCEV Specific Optimum Route Planner
“INITIUM” tackles one of the biggest problems for FCEV users, charging infrastructure, in a different way. Featuring a route planner specific to FCEV, the car can quickly find charging stations along the way to create an optimal route without the need for a separate app or phone guidance. Users can check the location accessibility of a designated charging station, its operating status, as well as the number of vehicles waiting and the possibility of charging.
The hydrogen fuel cell of the “INITIUM” can power various household appliances and personal devices via the ‘V2L’ feature, as in other electric models. The “INITIUM” can also charge other electric vehicles and can be connected directly to a 220-volt household outlet.
Hyundai accelerated the development of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles by establishing the Mabuk Environmental Technology R&D Center in 2005. At that time, Hyundai Motor Group Honorary Chairman Mong Koo Chung encouraged engineers at the facility to push the boundaries, enabling them to overcome challenges with courage and confidence. Hyundai’s hydrogen evolution began in 2018 with the introduction of its first dedicated hydrogen fuel cell model, NEXO. As the world’s first automaker to mass-produce hydrogen FCEVs, Hyundai aims to produce even more diverse and technological models in the future.
