Hyundai keeps the hydrogen dream alive with INITIUM concept

31 October 2024

Hyundai unveiled the INITIUM hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) concept. The car proves Hyundai's hasn't yet given up on hydrogen power (even though it probably should). But more importantly, it introduces a striking new design language that's sure to get people talking.

The INITIUM previews a production FCEV slated for launch in the first half of 2025, building on the company's 27 years of experience in hydrogen fuel cell development. You'd think that after 27 years of development accompanied by near-zero interest from customers, Hyundai would get the message. Clearly, they believe we are about to turn a corner. We believe they are, in fact, on something, but that's a different story.

The INITIUM marks the debut of Hyundai's new "Art of Steel" design language, which was crafted to embody the character of HTWO, the Group's dedicated hydrogen value chain business brand. The concept's exterior features sharp lines, strong shapes, and a distinctive lighting signature that incorporates the HTWO symbol. This unique design element, inspired by the '+' symbol, is integrated into the bumper, creating a visual cue that sets this FCEV apart.

The INITIUM's SUV-like stance projects a sense of ruggedness and capability, while its 21-inch wheels and sleek roof rack add a futuristic touch. The concept's design prioritizes aesthetics, but it doesn't miss functionality and aerodynamic efficiency to maximize driving range.

Back to hydrogen. Hyundai has equipped the INITIUM with large hydrogen fuel tanks and aerodynamic wheels to achieve a driving range of over 404 miles. This is an impressive range, but the maximum motor output sits at a lowly 150 kW. Considering the INITIUM looks like a sizable SUV, we shouldn't expect groundbreaking performance.

Hyundai boasts that one of the standout features of the INITIUM is its FCEV-specific route planner. This intelligent system is designed to help drivers locate hydrogen charging stations along their route, eliminating the need for separate apps or phone calls. The route planner also provides information on station accessibility, operating status, and even the number of vehicles waiting to be charged. Although it sounds impressive, the extremely limited number of hydrogen stations likely means any road trip is ok, as long it's no more than 186 miles one way.

The INITIUM offers Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality, allowing you to power household appliances and personal devices using the vehicle's hydrogen fuel cell. This clever feature transforms the INITIUM into a mobile power source, providing electricity without generating any harmful emissions.

Hyundai plans to showcase the INITIUM at the Los Angeles Auto Show and Auto Guangzhou in November 2024. The company is a leader in the global hydrogen mobility market, but that's because hardly any other automaker is seriously interested in that field. Toyota has been trying for years, and BMW is experimenting with its dedicated fleet of iX5 vehicles, but nothing really serious ever comes out of it.

The production version of the INITIUM concept is expected to hit the roads in the first half of 2025, meaning the concept we see here today is hardly a concept - it's much closer to the production car than Hyundai wants to admit. Hyundai's commitment to hydrogen is admirable. Its previous endeavors were less than impressive, but the company persists. Maybe they know something we don't.

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