Second-Gen Hyundai Nexo Boosts Power, Improves Hydrogen Storage

Hyundai has officially introduced the second-generation Nexo, a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, at the Seoul Mobility Show. The latest iteration of the Nexo embraces Hyundai’s new design language, dubbed "Art of Steel," which brings a rugged and modernized aesthetic to the crossover. The vehicle closely follows the design cues of the Initium concept, unveiled in late 2024, incorporating a boxier shape and distinctive four-point lighting elements at the front and rear.

One of the notable changes is the absence of traditional side mirrors, replaced by side cameras in the Korean market where such technology is legally permitted. Additionally, the hydrogen tank now features fuel caps on both rear fenders, suggesting refuelling can be done from either side of the vehicle.

Dimensionally, the new Nexo measures 4,750 mm in length, making it 78 mm longer than its predecessor, while retaining the same wheelbase of 2,790 mm. The width has been slightly increased by 5 mm, now standing at 1,865 mm. The vehicle offers a choice of 18- or 19-inch wheels depending on the variant. 

Inside, the new Nexo departs from its predecessor’s layout, introducing a refined, high-tech cabin. It features a dual-screen setup with 12.3-inch displays, reducing the number of physical buttons while retaining independent climate controls. The previous floating console design has been reimagined, no longer extending to the dashboard, but still providing dual wireless charging with a silicon pad and an integrated cooling fan to prevent smartphones from overheating.

To declutter the interior, Hyundai has removed gear selector buttons from the centre console, replacing them with a column shifter. Other premium features include a 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, a 12-inch head-up display, and more comfortable front seats with integrated leg rests. Rear passengers also benefit from ventilated seats with an increased reclining angle, improved headroom and shoulder room, and wider-opening doors for easier access.

Under the hood, the second-generation Nexo offers a notable increase in power output. The previous model's 178 bhp system has been upgraded to 251 bhp, significantly improving acceleration. The time required to reach 100 kmph has been reduced from 9.2 seconds to 7.8 seconds. The top speed has also been increased to 179 kmph.

Hyundai has enhanced the hydrogen storage capacity of the new Nexo, now capable of holding 6.69 kg of hydrogen—an increase from the previous 6.33 kg. The refueling process remains efficient, taking approximately five minutes to fill the tank, comparable to refueling a conventional gasoline vehicle. On a full tank, the vehicle can achieve a range of over 700 km under the Korean test cycle.