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Hyundai Debuts Initium Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Concept for LA and Auto Guangzhou Shows

Hyundai Intium concept 6 photos
Photo: Hyundai
Hyundai Intium conceptHyundai Intium conceptHyundai Intium conceptHyundai Intium conceptHyundai Intium concept
The South Korean automaker continues to hedge its bets regarding the sustainable powertrain of tomorrow and announces its latest FCEV prototype – the Initium concept crossover SUV.
Just like Toyota or BMW, the South Korean automaker also believes that sustainable mobility includes hydrogen power. But unlike Toyota, they also have a massive roster of battery-powered models, and unlike BMW, their hydrogen-powered vehicles are on sale now, not just rolling labs. As such, you could say that Hyundai is one (tiny) step ahead of many of its peers in the FCEV department.

To showcase their vision for the future, Hyundai just released what could be the preview for the successor of the Nexo Fuel Cell crossover SUV and the Hyundai ix35 FCEV before it. Dubbed Intium, this is just a concept car at the moment that's set to debut in two hemispheres next month – at the Los Angeles Auto Show (November 22-December 1) and before that at Auto Guangzhou in China (November 15-24).

Just to show they're serious about hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicles, the company even labeled its event held at Hyundai Motorstudio Goyang as 'Clearly Committed.' Even better, the Intium prototype is labeled as a direct preview of a new production-series FCEV that will be officially introduced during the first half of 2025 – and currently, the concept is the fruit of 27 years of FCEV experience and "reflects its clear commitment to achieving a sustainable hydrogen society."

But wait, as there is more. Hyundai and Kia are veritable design pioneers these days – in the best kind of ways on most occasions – and now the former reveals their bespoke hydrogen fuel cell-powered SUV concept also represents the introductory moment for Hyundai Motor's latest styling ethos called 'Art of Steel.' This new design language is set to represent HTWO, Hyundai Motor Group's brand dedicated to the hydrogen value chain business.

According to the company, Initium was developed towards three main goals – a bigger driving range (it has larger tanks for an estimated range of more than 650 km or 404 miles), better performance (electric motor's output rises to 150 kW or 201 hp), and providing a spacious interior for passengers and luggage. As such, the prototype crossover SUV comes with second-row reclining seat backs, a large rear-door opening angle, and more.

Additionally, Hyundai wants to address concerns regarding the refueling process and includes an FCEV-specific route planner; plus, there are smart features like Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) to connect directly to a 220V household outlet, for example.

"Hyundai Motor's clear, unwavering commitment to hydrogen over the past 27 years is rooted in our belief in its potential as a clean, accessible, and therefore fair energy source for everyone," said Jaehoon Chang, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company. "We are dedicated to pioneering a future where hydrogen is used by everyone, in everything, and everywhere. We invite you to join us on this journey."
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About the author: Aurel Niculescu
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Aurel has aimed high all his life (literally, at 16 he was flying gliders all by himself) so in 2006 he switched careers and got hired as a writer at his favorite magazine. Since then, his work has been published both by print and online outlets, most recently right here, on autoevolution.
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