Hyundai reveals new fuel cell vehicle Nexo

By Gareth Roberts

9 January 2018

Hyundai Motor has announced that Nexo will be the name of its all-new, dedicated fuel cell EV during a press conference at CES 2018.

The Nexo model will spearhead Hyundai Motor’s plans to accelerate development of low emission vehicles, in line with Hyundai Motor Group’s renewed goal of introducing 18 eco-friendly models to global markets by 2025.

The manufacturer has also revealed Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) that expand its autonomous driving potential, including a feature called Blind-spot View Monitor (BVM).

BVM shows drivers on a center cluster screen the rear and side views of Nexo using cameras while changing lanes in either direction. The system uses wide angle surround view monitors (SVM) on each side of the vehicle to monitor areas that cannot be seen by a traditional rearview mirror. Hyundai is the first automaker to provide drivers video footage from both sides of the vehicle.

Lane Following Assist (LFA) is an all-new technology for Hyundai and it debuts in the Nexo. LFA automatically adjusts steering to help keep Nexo centered in its lane of travel.

It can keep Nexo centred at speeds between 0 and 90 miles per hour on both highways and city streets. When paired with Hyundai’s Highway Driving Assist (HDA) which utilises sensors and map data to ensure safe operation as well as automatically adjust speed in limited environments, drivers will be able to traverse long distances with greater ease and improved safety.

Another new feature, Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA) enables Nexo to autonomously park or retrieve itself from a parking space with or without a driver in the car.

The RSPA system can even back a Nexo into a parking spot by itself with a touch of a button from the driver. When faced with any challenging parking scenario, drivers will be able to park with complete confidence and accuracy, says Hyundai.

“Hydrogen energy is the key to building a more sustainable society,” said Dr. Woong-chul Yang, vice chairman, Hyundai Motor Company. “Hyundai Motor Company has already taken a lead in hydrogen technology with the introduction of the ix35 fuel cell. I am so proud to introduce to you our second-generation fuel cell electric vehicle which is a culmination of our cutting-edge technologies.”

Nexo is Hyundai’s second-generation of commercialised fuel cell electric vehicle that will be available in select markets around the world starting in early 2018.

Improving upon the acclaimed ix35 FCEV, the Nexo has an estimated driving range of 500 miles (NEDC) – 134 miles more than its predecessor. Acceleration and power have increased to improve the overall performance.

		Nexo	Ix35 Fuel Cell
Dimensions	Length(in.)	183.9	173.6
	Width(in.)	73.2	71.7
	Height(in.)	64.2	65.2
	Wheelbase(in.)	109.8	103.9
Power		135kW Fuel Cell : 95kW Battery :40kW	124kW Fuel Cell : 100kW Battery : 24kW
Motor		120kW 291 lb.-ft. of torque	100kW 221 lb.-ft. of torque
0 to 60 mph		9.5 seconds	12.5 seconds
Range		500 estimated NEDC	369 miles