Japan Mobility Show 2025: All-New Hyundai Nexo Hydrogen FCEV Revealed

Hyundai Motor Company unveiled the all-new NEXO fuel cell vehicle at the Japan Mobility Show 2025, demonstrating its commitment to hydrogen fuel technology. The vehicle marks a shift in the company's strategy to diversify its offerings beyond battery electric vehicles.

The new NEXO operates through a hydrogen fuel cell system that produces electricity by combining hydrogen and oxygen. The vehicle emits zero tailpipe emissions during operation and releases only water vapour. The NEXO can travel over 826 kilometres from a single five-minute charge, offering range capabilities that match petrol-powered vehicles. The fuel cell technology incorporates 27 years of hydrogen development experience from Hyundai Motor.

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Hyundai's hydrogen strategy positions the company to compete in markets with established hydrogen infrastructure. Japan has over 5,000 fuel cell buses and taxis in operation, providing demand for hydrogen-powered vehicles. The NEXO includes advanced safety features such as highway driving assistance, monitoring systems, and reinforced airbags. The vehicle also features a 1,000-volt fast-charging infrastructure integration.

Hyundai plans to introduce the NEXO to Japan in the first half of 2026. The company operates HTWO, a dedicated hydrogen solutions brand that covers production, transportation, storage and utilisation of hydrogen. This integration allows Hyundai to support hydrogen adoption across energy sectors beyond vehicles.

India is developing hydrogen fuel cell infrastructure through government-backed programmes. The National Green Hydrogen Mission, launched in 2023, has allocated ₹208 crore for five pilot projects involving 37 hydrogen vehicles. These projects operate across ten routes including Delhi-Agra, Ahmedabad-Vadodara-Surat and Pune-Mumbai. Nine hydrogen refuelling stations will support operations.

Indian Railways has developed the nation's first hydrogen train, which will operate on the Jind-Sonipat route in Haryana. The train can transport 2,600 passengers and represents India's entry into hydrogen rail technology alongside Germany, France and Sweden.

However, India faces obstacles in hydrogen adoption. Hydrogen refuelling infrastructure remains limited, with only four dispensing stations compared to 161 in Japan and 250 in China. Production costs for hydrogen vehicles remain high, and public awareness about fuel cell technology is developing. These factors indicate India remains in the early adoption phase for hydrogen vehicles, with infrastructure development taking priority over consumer vehicle deployment. Commercial vehicles and public transport represent the focus areas for hydrogen technology implementation in India.