Hyundai Motor Company has unveiled the all-new NEXO, a next-generation hydrogen-powered fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV), at the Seoul Mobility Show in Korea. As a sleek mid-size SUV, this launch marks a key step forward in Hyundai’s push for hydrogen-powered mobility.
The new NEXO combines zero-emissions performance with enhanced efficiency, safety, and everyday practicality, making it a compelling option for early adopters of FCEV technology. It’s designed to deliver over 700 km of driving range with just a five-minute refueling time. Safety was a top priority in development, with a robust suite of features aimed at achieving top global safety ratings.
Representing Hyundai’s second-generation FCEV, the NEXO draws on nearly three decades of hydrogen technology expertise and supports the company’s broad electrification strategy, which spans battery EVs, hybrids, and FCEVs—offering customers more sustainable choices.
Inspired by the INITIUM concept revealed in October 2024, NEXO debuts Hyundai’s bold new ‘Art of Steel’ design language—celebrating both the strength and elegant formability of steel. The result is a striking exterior and a refined, comfortable interior.
Hyundai’s All-New NEXO: Bold Design Meets Advanced Hydrogen Tech
The all-new Hyundai NEXO features a strong and modern look, marked by bold contours and a solid body structure that gives it a tough, ready-for-anything presence. Its arched profile adds to its structural strength, while horizontal door grooves highlight its rugged durability, making the design suitable for both city driving and outdoor adventures.
A standout feature of the NEXO’s exterior is its distinctive ‘HTWO’ lighting, a signature element for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles that merges elegance with innovation. These lights represent Hyundai’s HTWO hydrogen brand and its “Hydrogen for Humanity” philosophy. The 4-dot headlights make the NEXO easily identifiable as a Hyundai model, especially at night.
NEXO comes in six exterior colors, including the uniquely Korean-inspired Goyo Copper Pearl. Named after the Korean word “Goyo” meaning “peaceful,” this deep, rich tone combines traditional and modern Korean aesthetics. The three-layer paint process creates a color-shifting effect based on lighting and angles, enhancing the car’s visual impact.
Inside, the cabin is spacious and thoughtfully designed for passenger comfort. Soft-touch materials with cozy patterns give a home-like feel. Key interior highlights include a driver-focused curved display, user-friendly controls, and a floating-style center console with ample storage. Digital side mirror displays are seamlessly integrated into the dashboard, enhancing both style and practicality to create a high-tech, welcoming space.
NEXO is larger in every dimension
This generation of NEXO is larger in every dimension, offering more passenger space and increased rear cargo capacity—up to 993 liters, enough for four golf bags. A redesigned luggage platform supports customizable accessories to meet different user needs.
The cabin also features premium first-row relaxation seats with leg supports. Their slim design offers more knee and legroom for rear passengers, who also benefit from ventilated seats and better reclining angles. Head and shoulder room in the back have also been improved. Rear doors now open wider for easier access, making NEXO a great choice for families.
Smart storage solutions are located throughout the interior—in the center console, dashboard, and door panels—enhancing convenience. Ambient lighting adjusts to speed limits, adding a luxury feel, while the panoramic roof brings an airy, open atmosphere.
The NEXO also embraces sustainability, using eco-friendly materials such as bio-leather, recycled PET fabric, bio-based plastics, and even repurposed automotive waste.
Performance and Powertrain Enhancements
The all-new NEXO is equipped with a more powerful fuel cell system and improved power electronics, resulting in better overall performance. A new electric motor and upgraded battery increase system output from 135 kW to 190 kW, and double battery power from 40 kW to 80 kW. These upgrades help the NEXO accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.8 seconds—faster than the previous model’s 9.2 seconds.
The new hydrogen fuel cell stack delivers up to 110 kW (a 16% boost), while the electric motor now produces 150 kW. Durability and low-temperature performance have been enhanced, along with an anti-freezing “Wake Up” function for easier cold-weather starts.
Fuel storage capacity has been increased to 6.69 kg (up from 6.33 kg), improving driving range without compromising interior space. Better hydrogen storage density and efficiency also contribute to a longer all-electric range (AER).
Aerodynamics have been fine-tuned with improvements to the underbody and air flow management, reducing drag. Noise and vibration have been minimized using technologies like Active Noise Control-Road (ANC-R) and sound-dampening tires, resulting in a smoother ride—especially when accelerating or driving on rough roads. European models can also tow up to 1,000 kg, enhancing practicality.
The NEXO’s advanced e-Handling system boosts driving dynamics by adjusting motor torque for better grip, sharper steering response, and greater stability.
A Smart Regenerative System (SRS) adapts regenerative braking based on navigation data and the distance to vehicles ahead. It uses detailed map information to predict and respond to road conditions such as speed bumps, turns, and speed cameras. This reduces the need for constant braking input from the driver and makes coasting smoother, with adjustable distance settings for driver preference.
Advanced Tech and Smart Features Elevate the Hydrogen Driving Experience
The all-new NEXO integrates user-focused innovations that simplify and enrich hydrogen electric driving. A column-mounted gear selector replaces the traditional shifter, freeing up space and improving interior flexibility, especially in the center console.
A built-in Fuel Cell EV Route Planner helps drivers manage long trips by automatically suggesting hydrogen refueling stops based on real-time fuel levels. It displays fuel status, energy flow, and estimated range—adjusted for features like air conditioning—while providing live updates on hydrogen station availability.
NEXO’s Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) system merges two 12.3-inch displays—one for driving info and one for infotainment—into a curved screen. It supports OTA updates and includes AI-powered voice recognition for natural, dynamic interactions. The infotainment system offers wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium audio setup.
The AI-based voice assistant enters conversation mode automatically, offering smart, context-aware responses for a more intuitive user experience.
A 12-inch Head-Up Display (HUD) projects critical driving data, including autonomous driving status and safety alerts, directly onto the windshield, improving focus and safety.
For added convenience, a dual wireless phone charger in the center console supports fast charging and NFC-based Digital Key 2 access. It includes a silicon pad to hold devices in place and a built-in cooling fan. USB ports deliver 15W for fast wired charging.
Like Hyundai’s BEVs, NEXO includes a vehicle-to-load (V2L) feature, offering both interior and exterior power outlets for charging household electronics or outdoor gear—without the need for adapters.
Digital Center Mirror (DCM)
Rear visibility is enhanced by a Digital Center Mirror (DCM), which uses a rear camera to offer a clearer, wider nighttime view. A built-in washer system ensures the lens stays clean. Optional Digital Side Mirrors (DSM) further enhance side and blind spot visibility, especially in poor weather or low light, with smart features like lane change guides and expanded rear view during reversing.
The Built-in Cam 2 Plus records high-definition video and audio from front and rear cameras, includes a motion-detection function that works for up to four days, and offers enhanced playback quality.
Security is boosted with a fingerprint authentication system that allows keyless engine start, secure identity verification, and digital payments—all integrated into the NEXO’s AVNT interface.
Digital Key 2 allows smartphone-based car access, start-up, and remote functions. It supports up to 15 devices (including Apple Watches) and offers automatic locking when the driver walks away. An NFC Card Key adds another layer of personalized access.
To enhance safety, a Rear Occupant Alert system uses radar to detect motion in the back seats, alerting the driver visually and audibly if someone—like a child—is left behind.
“We’re excited to premiere a new film showcasing the standout features of the all-new NEXO. As we move toward its global launch, Hyundai Motor will continue to share updates and engaging content through our Hyundai Motor Worldwide YouTube channel and across our social media platforms”
Set to launch globally later this year, the next-generation NEXO reflects Hyundai’s pioneering role in hydrogen mobility. Through its HTWO brand, Hyundai remains committed to expanding fuel cell infrastructure and advancing its vision of offering smart, sustainable mobility solutions across all sectors.
