yun
Hyundai Nexo FCEV can add a range of over 700 km within five minutes, significantly bringing down the time to recharge.
Right? The Hyundai Nexo is seriously impressive. A hydrogen fuel cell SUV with a range of 700 km on a single tank is no joke—especially when you compare that to a lot of diesel or even electric vehicles.
The whole “Diesel who?” thing is kind of valid here. Hydrogen vehicles like the Nexo offer:
- Quick refueling (3–5 minutes, like a normal gas car)
- Zero emissions (only water vapor comes out the tailpipe)
- Solid range (700 km is more than many EVs)
Absolutely! Here’s a detailed look at the Hyundai Nexo FCEV (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle)—one of the most advanced hydrogen-powered SUVs currently available:
Hyundai has unveiled the Nexo FCEV (fuel cell electric vehicle) at the Seoul Mobility Show in Korea. Resembling the looks of a concept car, the vehicle has a design inspired by the Initium concept unveiled by the South Korean giant last October. It follows the brand’s ‘Art of Steel’ design language and has almost zero similarities with its predecessor. Renouncing the curvy design, it features a rather boxy appearance, which adds to its rugged appeal.
Diving into the details, the front end of the Hyundai Nexo FCEV comes with an ‘HTWO’ LED headlamp, which seems like a combination of four distinct dots. All of this, combined with the straight lines, contributes to giving the vehicle an upright stance. To add to its rugged nature, it gets contrasting black fender flares. To go with the theme, the windows also get a rather squarish design with prominent edges. The car also has a thick C-pillar, which splits the side glass.
🚙 Hyundai Nexo FCEV Overview
The Hyundai Nexo is a hydrogen-powered SUV that uses a fuel cell stack to generate electricity, powering an electric motor. It’s Hyundai’s second-generation hydrogen vehicle, following the Tucson FCEV.
🔋 Powertrain & Performance
- Fuel Cell Type: PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane)
- Motor Output: 120 kW (161 hp) electric motor
- Torque: 395 Nm (291 lb-ft)
- 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph): ~9.5 seconds
- Top Speed: ~180 km/h (112 mph)
- Drive Type: Front-wheel drive (FWD)
⛽ Hydrogen Storage & Range
- Hydrogen Tank Capacity: 156.6 liters / ~6.3 kg of hydrogen
- Range (WLTP): 666–700 km on a full tank
- Refueling Time: ~5 minutes
- Emissions: Zero—only emits water vapor
🧠 Technology & Features
- ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems):
- Lane Keeping Assist
- Blind Spot View Monitor
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist
- Highway Driving Assist (semi-autonomous)
- Infotainment:
- 12.3-inch touchscreen display
- Navigation with hydrogen station locator
- Android Auto & Apple CarPlay
- Premium audio system
- Interior Tech:
- Digital instrument cluster
- Ambient lighting
- Voice recognition
- Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA)
🧳 Design & Practicality
- Body Style: Mid-size SUV (5-seater)
- Boot Space: ~461 liters (expandable with rear seats down)
- Ground Clearance: 160 mm (approx.)
- Wheel Size: 17–19 inches (depending on trim)
🌱 Eco Impact
- Emission-Free Driving
- Uses renewable hydrogen (in some markets)
- Certified for clean air zones / low emission zones
⚠️ Challenges
- Limited Hydrogen Refueling Infrastructure
- Mostly available in South Korea, California (USA), parts of Europe
- Cost: More expensive than traditional EVs or ICE SUVs
- Long-term availability of hydrogen fuel remains a question
💰 Price (Approx.)
- South Korea: ₩70–75 million (~$53,000–$57,000 USD)
- USA (California only): ~$60,000 MSRP (with potential state incentives)
- Europe: Varies by country, often government-supported
🏁 Fun Fact
The Nexo is the first hydrogen vehicle to undergo autonomous driving tests—it completed a self-driven 190 km trip in Korea in 2018!
Nice! Let’s break it down with a comparison between the Hyundai Nexo (Hydrogen FCEV) and a popular EV like the Tesla Model Y (Battery Electric Vehicle). Here’s how they stack up:
⚔️ Hyundai Nexo vs. Tesla Model Y
Hydrogen Fuel Cell vs. Battery Electric
| Feature | Hyundai Nexo (FCEV) | Tesla Model Y (BEV) |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Hydrogen Fuel Cell + Electric Motor | Battery + Electric Motor |
| Horsepower | 161 hp (120 kW) | Up to 384 hp (Dual Motor Long Range) |
| Torque | 395 Nm | 493 Nm (Performance) |
| Range (WLTP) | 666–700 km | 533–565 km (LR AWD) |
| Refueling / Charging | 5 mins (hydrogen refill) | 25–45 mins (Supercharger) |
| Fuel Source | Compressed Hydrogen | Lithium-ion Battery (charged with electricity) |
| Emissions | Water vapor only | Zero tailpipe emissions |
| Infrastructure | Limited hydrogen stations | Widespread EV charging network |
| Top Speed | ~180 km/h | ~217 km/h (Performance) |
| 0–100 km/h | ~9.5 sec | ~3.5 sec (Performance) |
| Price (USD) | ~$60,000 | ~$47,000–$54,000 (LR AWD) |
| Cargo Space | 461 L | 854 L (with rear seats up) |
| Autonomous Features | Highway Assist, RSPA | Autopilot, Full Self-Driving (optional) |
| Availability | Limited markets (mostly Korea, CA) | Widely available globally |
⚡ Electric Vehicle (EV) Pros:
- Widespread charging infrastructure
- Lower running costs (electricity is cheaper)
- More models/options available
- More torque and performance (generally)
💨 Hydrogen FCEV Pros:
- Super quick refueling (like a gas car)
- Long range (comparable to ICE vehicles)
- Lighter than large battery EVs
- Great for long-distance or fleet use (if stations exist)
🔌 Charging vs Refueling
- Tesla Model Y: 0% to 80% in ~30 minutes on a Supercharger
- Hyundai Nexo: Full hydrogen refill in ~5 minutes
🌍 Environmental Impact
| Aspect | Hyundai Nexo | Tesla Model Y |
|---|---|---|
| Tailpipe Emissions | Water vapor only | Zero |
| Power Source Emissions | Depends on how hydrogen is made | Depends on grid (cleaner in renewable-heavy regions) |
| Battery Production | Minimal (small battery) | Significant (lithium, cobalt, etc.) |
🏁 Final Thoughts
- Nexo is perfect for those who want quick refueling and long range without charging, if they live near hydrogen stations.
- Tesla Model Y is a more practical and accessible option today, with an expansive global charging network and more powerful tech.
Want a “which one is right for you” quiz or a visual infographic? Or maybe you’re curious how Hyundai’s hydrogen tech compares to Toyota’s Mirai or Honda Clarity FCEV?
Pricing
When comparing SUVs like the Hyundai NEXO and the Tesla Model Y, it is important to look at price, fuel economy, cargo and seating capacity, and standard features. Starting with price, the Hyundai NEXO is more expensive with a starting MSRP of $59,910 and the similarly equipped Tesla Model Y starts at $46,380.
Efficiency
Looking at efficiency, the Tesla Model Y has significantly better mileage. The Tesla Model Y gets 134 MPGe in the city and 117 MPGe on the highway. Comparatively, the Hyundai NEXO gets 65 MPGe in the city and 58 MPGe on the highway.
Cargo & Seating
Moving on to cargo capacity, the Hyundai NEXO has less space than the Tesla Model Y. The Hyundai NEXO offers up to 29.6 ft³ with all seats in place with a maximum of 56.5 ft³ with the second row of seats folded. On the other hand, the Tesla Model Y has 30.2 ft³ with the seats in place, and a maximum of 56.5 ft³ with the second row of seats folded.
SUVs with a third row option will have less cargo room. As for interior space, the Hyundai NEXO has less legroom and less second-row legroom than the Tesla Model Y. The Hyundai NEXO has 41.5 in of front-row legroom vs. the 41.8 in that the Tesla Model Y has, while the Hyundai NEXO also has 38.6 in of second-row legroom in comparison to the Tesla Model Y’s 40.5 in.
- YOU MAY ALSO LIKE THIS
2025 Kia Carens spotted testing: What to expect from the upcoming best budget MPV refresh
