Hyundai has unveiled the Initium SUV concept powered by hydrogen fuel, which has a range of more than 640 km. The concept promises high performance, stylish design and the use of third-generation fuel cells.
Image Source: Hyundai
While the car’s specifications remain under wraps for now, it is known that the Initium will be equipped with large hydrogen tanks and low rolling resistance tires to increase its range. Hyundai says the car will be able to travel more than 400 miles (640 km) on a single fill of hydrogen tanks, with an engine power of 150 kW.
Compared to the current Hyundai Nexo, which accelerates to 96 km/h in 8.4 seconds, the Initium’s 0-100 km/h time is reduced to 8 seconds. “This is outstanding performance compared to competing fuel cell vehicles,” Jin Hwan Jung, Hyundai’s senior vice president in charge of vehicle technology development, said at the presentation in Seoul.
Image Source: Hyundai
Initium will be the flagship of Hyundai’s hydrogen lineup and will use third-generation fuel cells. According to company representatives, the new fuel cells will be 40% more durable than Nexo. The car will also be equipped with the Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function, which will allow it to be used as a power source. A fully charged Initium will be able to generate up to 100 kWh of energy. For comparison, this is enough to supply electricity to one average-sized Korean residential house for 10 days.
Image Source: Hyundai
The Initium design features the new “Art of Steel” design. According to Hyundai and Genesis global design head SangYup Lee, the concept combines the strength and aesthetic appeal of steel. “We took a new approach to materials and gave the steel a shape that enhances its beauty,” he said.
The exterior is distinguished by massive wheel arches and angular shapes, which gives it a brutal look. However, to avoid being too angular, the designers added flowing lines to the rear window and made the 21-inch wheels slightly curved. The lighting features Hyundai’s signature pixel design, which can be seen on the headlights, grille and integrated roof rails.
Image Source: Hyundai
Hyundai has also paid attention to the development of hydrogen infrastructure (there are currently about 200 hydrogen refueling stations in South Korea). Initium will be equipped with a navigation system that will help drivers plan routes taking into account the availability of stations and the waiting time for their turn. Hyundai President Jaehoon Chang emphasized that the company intends to develop the hydrogen ecosystem to create “clean, quiet and safe” transport. The car is scheduled to go into production in the spring of 2025.