Hyundai Motor’s Hydrogen FCEV Cars: Pioneering the Past, Leading the Present, Shaping the Future

For nearly 30 years Hyundai Motor Company has been at the forefront of fuel cell technology, crafting a legacy that positions the brand as a global leader in sustainable mobility. Its belief that fuel cell passenger cars can contribute to a more sustainable future goes hand in hand with the launch of new cars marking milestones in hydrogen mobility. This is the story of Hyundai’s fuel cell passenger cars – a story of innovation and determination. A story to be continued with a bold vision for the future.

How a hydrogen fuel cell electric car works

Hyundai Motor has invested in developing foundational technologies since nearly 30 years ago. While the implementation may be complex, the idea behind hydrogen technology is simple. In essence, a fuel cell electric car operates much like a battery electric vehicle (BEV) with one major difference: the electricity needed for propulsion is generated on the go. A fuel cell stack within the car acts like a power plant, producing electricity through the reaction of hydrogen from the tank and oxygen from the surrounding air.

By the late 1990s, Hyundai Motor had developed its first fuel cell system prototype, laying the groundwork for its leadership in the field. The brand’s early vision was clear: to make hydrogen-powered mobility accessible and practical for everyday consumers. The first milestone towards this goal was achieved with the ix35 Fuel Cell.

The ix35 Fuel Cell: the world’s first mass-produced fuel cell car

The ix35 Fuel Cell was more than just a car. It was a statement, a groundbreaking achievement for Hyundai Motor as the world’s first mass-produced fuel cell electric vehicle. This car represented the culmination of 15 years of research and development, showcasing Hyundai’s vision and commitment to zero tailpipe emission mobility. With the ix35 Fuel Cell, Hyundai Motor set the stage for future advancements.

The ix35 Fuel Cell at a glance: 

• Launched in 2013
• First mass-produced hydrogen fuel cell electric passenger car in the world
• Demonstrated the scalability and viability of hydrogen technology
• Driving range of 594 km on a single refuelling¹

The NEXO: stepping forward in fuel cell innovation

Hyundai Motor introduced the NEXO, its second-generation fuel cell car, building on the success of the ix35 Fuel Cell and setting a new benchmark for zero tailpipe emission technology. The NEXO received widespread recognition, including the "CES Editors’ Choice Award" and the "Digital Trends Top Tech Award," highlighting its technological excellence. Compared to competitors, the NEXO stood out with its superior range and innovative features, cementing Hyundai’s leadership in hydrogen mobility.

The NEXO at a glance: 

• Launched in 2018
• Represented a major step forward in the development of hydrogen-powered mobility
• Widely acclaimed for its range, design, and features
• Driving range of up to 666 kilometres, making it one of the most practical hydrogen-powered passenger cars on the market²
• Equipped with remote smart parking assist, enhanced driver-assistance systems, and improved fuel cell efficiency
• NEXO is the no. 1 best-selling hydrogen fuel cell passenger vehicle in the world³

The N Vision 74: high-performance meets hydrogen

Though the N Vision 74 is a concept, it represents a tantalising glimpse into a future where hydrogen powers high-performance cars. It is a dream rooted in reality, underlining Hyundai’s ability to merge ambition with engineering prowess. With the N Vision 74, Hyundai Motor pushed the boundaries of hydrogen-powered performance. By combining cutting-edge hydrogen technology with high-performance engineering, the concept car offers a thrilling glimpse into the future of zero tailpipe emission sports cars.

The N Vision 74 at a glance:

• Launched in 2022 as a concept car
• A bold step into high-performance hydrogen mobility
• Pays homage to the iconic 1974 Hyundai Pony Coupe concept
• Driving range of over 600 kilometres
• Dual system combining hydrogen fuel cells and a high-performance battery; retro-futuristic aesthetic inspired by Hyundai’s motorsport heritage

The INITIUM: a statement towards hydrogen technology and iconic design

The INITIUM concept car represents Hyundai Motor’s bold vision of hydrogen-powered transportation. Derived from the Latin word for ‘beginning’ or ‘first’, the INITIUM reflects Hyundai’s leadership in hydrogen technology and its commitment to a sustainable, hydrogen-powered future. Building upon nearly 30 years of hydrogen technology development, Hyundai focused on three key aspects in the creation of INITIUM: achieving a high driving range and improved driving dynamics – core strengths of hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles – providing a spacious interior and boot ideal for families, and integrating unique comfort and safety systems. The INITIUM is a declaration of Hyundai Motor’s belief in hydrogen as a transformative force in transportation, paving the way for a sustainable and interconnected future.

The INITIUM at a glance:

• Launch in 2024 as a concept car
• Showcases the versatility and potential of hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles
• Targeted driving range of over 650 kilometres
• Increased output of the stack and enhanced battery capacity, allowing for an electric motor output of up to 150 kW
• Debut of new design language – called ‘Art of Steel’ – embodying the character of HTWO, Hyundai’s hydrogen value chain business brand
• The production version of the INITIUM concept is set to launch in the first half of 2025

The all-new NEXO: a new milestone in Hyundai’s hydrogen mobility

The all-new NEXO represents the next milestone in Hyundai Motor’s leadership in hydrogen-powered mobility. Unveiled at the Seoul Mobility Show 2025, the second-generation fuel cell electric vehicle builds on Hyundai’s long-standing expertise with a bold new design and extensive technology enhancements. It features a targeted range of over 700 kilometres from a five-minute charge, a redesigned interior with enhanced comfort and practicality, and a more efficient powertrain. As the first FCEV with towing capability, the new NEXO combines versatility with zero tailpipe emission performance, reaffirming Hyundai’s commitment to sustainable mobility across the entire spectrum of smart solutions.

The all-new NEXO at a glance:

• Launch in 2025
• Targeted driving range of over 700 kilometres from a five-minute charge
• New ‘Art of Steel’ exterior design language and improved aerodynamic performance
• Spacious interior with first-row relaxation seats and increased luggage capacity
• Enhanced powertrain with new motor system and high-efficiency inverter
• First Hyundai FCEV with towing capability

Hyundai fuel cell commercial vehicles

Since the launch of XCIENT in 2020, the world’s first mass-produced fuel cell electric heavy-duty truck, Hyundai Motor has led the way in hydrogen-powered commercial vehicles. Over 100 Hyundai XCIENT Fuel Cell electric heavy-duty trucks for instance, have surpassed a cumulative driving distance of more than 16 million kilometres in real-world operation in Europe - a testament to the world-class hydrogen fuel cell technology’s long-term reliability. In total, up to now, we have deployed nearly 3,000 fuel cell trucks and buses across 14 countries.

With the goal to deliver both sustainable and reliable urban transit systems, Wiener Linien introduced a new demo ELEC CITY fuel cell bus from Hyundai in the city of Vienna in 2025. The model features dual receptacles for 350 bar and 700 bar refueling, the first of its kind in Europe. It will be tested exclusively by Wiener Linien for a period of three years. The fuel cell powers a 180 kW electric motor, with the vehicle producing no greenhouse gas emissions.

Beyond this, Hyundai Motor Company is pioneering hydrogen applications in trains, ships and power generation in Korea, further demonstrating the versatility of this clean energy source.

Beyond mobility: Hyundai Motor’s hydrogen ecosystem

The success of Hyundai’s fuel cell electric cars and commercial vehicles has already left a lasting mark on the mobility sector, but Hyundai wouldn’t be Hyundai if it didn’t strive for more. The company’s ambition goes far beyond revolutionising personal transportation – it aims to shape the future of hydrogen technology on a much larger scale, cementing its leadership in this transformative field.

Hyundai’s efforts in connection with hydrogen represent the Group’s unwavering commitment to a zero tailpipe emission future. With a vision that bridges mobility and energy, Hyundai Motor has become, as the company puts it, “like no other energy company with roots deeply grounded in mobility, and like no other mobility company with branches so far reaching into energy sectors.” This unique dual identity allows Hyundai to drive innovation across the entire hydrogen value chain, from production and storage to distribution and application. By harnessing its end-to-end expertise across the value chain, Hyundai Motor Group is expanding its hydrogen business under HTWO, the hydrogen brand and business platform, committed to advancing the global energy transition. HTWO continues to evolve, expanding as an open platform for collaboration, investment, and partnership, reinforcing the Group’s contribution to building a hydrogen economy.

To power these advancements, Hyundai Motor is also investing in innovative low-carbon hydrogen production methods, such as Waste-to-Hydrogen (W2H). These technologies pave the way for a cleaner, more sustainable hydrogen ecosystem. The Group has previously partnered with governments in Korea as well as in Indonesia to advance its resource-circulating hydrogen business.

For Hyundai, hydrogen isn’t just another alternative – it’s a game-changer. With cutting-edge innovation and a bold vision for a cleaner tomorrow, Hyundai is paving the way for a future where zero tailpipe emission vehicles become the standard – just like battery electric vehicles (BEVs), hybrids, and plug-in hybrids, all of which Hyundai Motor offers as part of its commitment to sustainable mobility.

After nearly 30 years of pioneering work, Hyundai Motor’s achievements in hydrogen technology are unmatched. But this is only the beginning. Hyundai is determined to push boundaries, continually evolve, and remain at the forefront of hydrogen innovation. The journey isn’t over – it’s only gaining momentum, with a bold vision for a more sustainable future.

¹ Based on the European standards and at the point of the launch in 2013
² Based on the European standards, applied for 2018 NEXO model
³ NEXO global sales in 2024: 2,774 units

Disclaimer: CO₂ and emissions data

• Hydrogen consumption combined for the Hyundai NEXO in kg H2/100 km: 0.95; CO₂ emissions combined in g/km: 0 (WLTP)
• The all-new NEXO is not yet available for sale. Energy consumption figures are not finalized