The Hyundai Nexo is a hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) that launched in 2018, replacing the Tucson FCEV. It was Hyundai’s step toward a cleaner future, offering better range, power, and efficiency than its predecessor.
Performance & Range
The Nexo came in two versions: Blue and Limited. The Blue version had a range of 611 km (380 mi), while the Limited had 570 km (350 mi). Both versions featured a 163 PS electric motor with 400 Nm of torque, making it more powerful than the Tucson FCEV.
Nexo Blue
Range – (EPA) 611 km (380 mi)
Power – 163 PS
Torque – 400 Nm
Hydrogen – Tank Capacity 156 L / 6.3 kg
Nexo Limited
Range (EPA) – 570 km (350 mi)
Power – 163 PS
Torque – 400 Nm
Hydrogen Tank Capacity – 156 L / 6.3 kg
Tucson FCEV
Range (EPA) – 470 km (290 mi)
Power – 135 PS
Torque – 300 Nm
Hydrogen Tank Capacity – 140 L / 5.6 kg
The Nexo accelerates 0–100 km/h in 9.2 seconds and has a top speed of 179 km/h (111 mph).
Global Availability
Hyundai launched the Nexo in South Korea in March 2018, with a 10-year/160,000 km warranty on its fuel cell components. Sales in Korea passed 10,000 units by 2020.
In December 2018, the first Nexo was sold in the U.S., exclusively in California. The UK release followed in March 2019, and Australia got it in 2021 through special lease programs.
Technology & Features
Hyundai packed the Nexo with smart assistance systems:
- Blind Spot View Monitor – Uses cameras to show the sides and back of the car for safer lane changes.
- Lane Follow Assist – Keeps the car centered in its lane.
- Highway Driving Assist – Adjusts speed automatically based on traffic.
- Remote Parking Assist – Lets the car park and unpark itself.
Air Purification
A three-step filtration system in the Nexo removes 100% of harmful PM2.5 particles from the air. However, Hyundai faced criticism for greenwashing, as the vehicle still produces pollutants from tire and brake wear.
Fuel & Refueling
The Nexo runs on hydrogen gas, which reacts with oxygen to generate electricity and water. In 2018, Australian researchers successfully refueled a Nexo using hydrogen extracted from ammonia.
Safety
The Euro NCAP awarded the Nexo a 5-star safety rating in 2018, making it one of the safest hydrogen vehicles on the road.
