Hyundai unveils new Nexo FCEV at Seoul Mobility Show

Hyundai Motor has introduced the new Nexo fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) at the Seoul Mobility Show 2025 (April 4-13).

It targets more than 700km range from a five-minute charge.

The Nexo’s “Art of Steel” exterior design and enhanced interior comfort are expected to improve competitiveness in the mid-size SUV segment, says Hyundai.

The second-generation Nexo features a spacious interior with advanced comfort features, including first row “relaxation seats” and increased luggage capacity, the brand says, adding the FCEV has an improved powertrain with greater efficiency and durability, a new motor system and a high-efficiency inverter.

The new Nexo delivers aerodynamic improvements and is the first FCEV to offer towing capability, enhancing performance and versatility, says Hyundai.

Nexo is also designed with advanced driver-assist systems and top-tier collision safety features (including up to nine airbags), it says, adding the Nexo supports over-the-air (OTA) software updates and features generative AI voice recognition.

Its infotainment offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a premium audio by Bang & Olufsen Sound System with up to 14 speakers.

This new model underscores the company’s commitment to a diversified vehicle electrification strategy, which includes not only battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and hybrids, but also FCEVs, offering wider consumer choice, the brand says.

Based on the Initium concept unveiled in October 2024, Nexo showcases a sturdy and sophisticated design, with bold lines and a solid structure that create a rugged image, while the vehicle’s arch-shaped cross section reinforces its strength, says Hyundai.

The new-generation Nexo will be available in six colours – Creamy White Pearl, Phantom Black Pearl, Amazon Gray Metallic, Ocean Indigo Matte, Ecotronic Gray Pearl, and Goyo Copper Pearl.

“A curved, driver-centric display (combining a 12.3-inch driver information cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment monitor), intuitive controls and an island-type centre console with impressive storage space are key features.”

Digital side mirror displays integrate seamlessly as part of the dashboard, maximising openness and practicality, says Hyundai.

“The new Nexo is longer, wider and taller than its predecessor, resulting in improved passenger comfort and increased rear cargo capacity, with a maximum of 993 litres – enough to accommodate up to four golf bags.

“A newly implemented platform in the luggage area is designed to allow users to freely select and utilise accessories tailored to their needs.”

Headroom and shoulder room for second-row passengers are improved, while rear doors open wider than the previous-generation car, making it easier to get in and out, making Nexo an ideal choice for families, says Hyundai.

“Sustainable materials are used throughout the vehicle, including bio-process leather, bio PU leather, recycled PET fabric, linen fabric, bio plastic, bio TPO skin, bio paint, bio PU slab foam, and recycled automotive plastic waste.”

A new motor system increases the power electronics (PE) system’s power output and battery capacity, says Hyundai, adding that as a result the total output has been elevated from 135kW to 190kW, while the battery’s output has doubled from 40kW to 80kW.

“These improvements contribute to a faster 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 7.8 seconds compared with 9.2 seconds for the previous Nexo, ensuring excellent acceleration and smooth overtaking capability.”

Hyundai says the hydrogen fuel cell stack now delivers maximum gross power of 110kW, a 16% increase, while the new electric motor provides up to 150kW.

“The FC stack also features improved low-temperature operability and durability enhancements, including to the membrane, and a uniform cell performance structure. The ‘Wake Up’ stack anti-freezing function and other system optimisations enhance low-temperature drivability and ease of starting year-round.

“The system’s all-electric range (AER) competitiveness is secured through enhanced fuel efficiency, as well as an increased hydrogen tank capacity – which now stands at 6.69kg, up from 6.33kg in the previous-generation Nexo – and increased hydrogen storage density.”

Nexo utilises a “smart regenerative system” (SRS) to enhance driving convenience by automatically adjusting regenerative braking based on navigation data and distance to vehicles ahead, says Hyundai.

“Available globally, this system uses extended map information to adapt to road conditions, such as speed cameras, turns, and speed humps. It reduces driver intervention by automatically managing deceleration during coasting, with adjustable vehicle distance settings.”

The new Nexo features a column-type shift lever, and the vehicle’s FCEV Route Planner11 helps drivers reach their destinations by incorporating necessary charging stations into routes when energy levels are low, the brand says.

The dual wireless charging system on the centre console enables high-speed charging for smartphones, and this tech supports NFC communication for digital key keyless entry and vehicle start functionality, says Hyundai.

Much like Hyundai’s BEVs, the Nexo features a vehicle-to-load (V2L) function.