Hyundai Motor unveils new concept hydrogen vehicle INITIUM

Hyundai’s new hydrogen concept car model, “INITIUM” unveiled on the 31st. (Hyundai Motor)

South Korean automaker Hyundai Motor Co. unveiled a new concept hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) to succeed its NEXO for the first time in seven years.

Hyundai Motor unveiled at its ‘Clearly Committed’ event held at Hyundai Motorstudio Goyang in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, on Thursday.

INITIUM is a concept model that showcases the market potential and design direction for its upcoming passenger FCEV which is set to debut in the first half of 2025.

INITIUM is a Latin word meaning ‘beginning’ or ‘first’, representing Hyundai Motor’s status as a hydrogen energy pioneer and its commitment to develop a hydrogen society.

“Hydrogen is the most abundant, accessible, and equitable energy source in the universe,” Hyundai Motor President Chang Jae-hoon said at the event. “We have been able to continue our hydrogen research for 27 years since the establishment of our first hydrogen research lab in 1998 thanks to our unwavering belief in the value of hydrogen.”

“INITIUM will be the first mover that opens the door to a hydrogen society,” he added.

Hyundai Motor began its FCEV development in 1998 with the creation of a dedicated hydrogen research and development (R&D) team.

It introduced its first FCEV in collaboration with U.S. fuel cell specialist UTC Power LLC in 2000, and developed an FCEV with a proprietary fuel cell stack four years later.

Hyundai established the world‘s first mass-production system for hydrogen vehicles in 2013, releasing the Tucson ix Fuel Cell, followed by the NEXO in 2018.

Chang also shared that honorary Chairman Chung Mong-koo once encouraged Hyundai engineers to build any hydrogen car they desired without worrying about costs, underscoring Hyundai’s long-standing passion for hydrogen vehicles.

“Transitioning to a hydrogen society is not a choice but a conviction, and I believe it is Hyundai’s mission to transition to a hydrogen society,” Chang emphasized.

The newly revealed INITIUM boasts unique specifications that leverage the strengths of FCEVs while addressing their limitations.

It features an increased hydrogen tank capacity, optimized power control using semiconductors, and a driving range of over 650 kilometers.

The vehicle also achieves a maximum motor power output of 150 kilowatts through enhancements to the fuel cell system and battery performance, which is the highest level among hydrogen vehicles in the world.

INITIUM additionally incorporates Hyundai‘s “Art of Steel” design language, aimed at emphasizing the pure strength of steel in its design.

The lamp design reflects the symbol of “HTWO,” Hyundai’s hydrogen value chain brand.

Chang also stressed the importance of collaboration with global automakers in the hydrogen business.

“There is much to learn from Toyota Motor Corp. regarding hydrogen, and we will collaborate with not only Toyota, but anyone.,” he told reporters after the event.