Hyundai Unveils Hydrogen Concept SUV FCEV INITIUM, Scheduled for Exhibition at the L.A. Auto Show and Launch in 2025.
Hyundai Unveils INITIUM: A Hydrogen-Powered SUV for the Future
Hyundai Motor Company is set to debut its latest innovation, the INITIUM, a hydrogen-powered SUV that reaffirms the company's commitment to making hydrogen a go-to clean energy source. The INITIUM will be showcased at the Los Angeles Auto Show and Auto Guangzhou this November, previewing Hyundai's upcoming hydrogen-powered vehicle, scheduled to launch in the first half of 2025.
The INITIUM's design philosophy, 'Art of Steel,' combines strong, elegant lines with an industrial aesthetic, creating a solid yet sophisticated SUV-like design. SangYup Lee, Hyundai's Head of Global Design, describes the INITIUM as a testament to this design philosophy, emphasizing exposed materiality and a rugged aesthetic that highlights structural steel rather than a sleek finish typical of electric vehicles.
Under the hood, the INITIUM features a third-generation hydrogen fuel-cell system with a driving range of over 650 kilometers (over 400 miles) and an electric motor output of up to 150 kW. This system promises 40% greater durability than that in Hyundai’s current fuel-cell SUV, the NEXO. The INITIUM offers improved acceleration, with its zero-to-100 km/h time reduced by about 8 seconds compared to the NEXO, indicating strong performance.
The INITIUM is not just about performance. It also caters to family needs, offering a spacious second row and a generous cargo area. Additionally, it includes a smart route planner designed specifically for hydrogen users, helping drivers locate nearby fueling stations along their routes.
The INITIUM's Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) feature allows owners to tap into the car's hydrogen fuel cell to power household devices on the go, providing electricity without emitting pollutants. This vehicle represents a further advancement in Hyundai’s hydrogen mobility strategy, building on its previous leadership with the NEXO and N Vision 74 concepts, underscoring Hyundai’s commitment to hydrogen fuel cell technology for SUVs and high-performance vehicles.
Executive Chair Euisun Chung, a major advocate of Hyundai's hydrogen ambitions, stated, "The shift to hydrogen energy is for future generations." Hyundai was the world's first automaker to mass-produce hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) starting in 2018, and the INITIUM represents 27 years of development in hydrogen technology.
With the INITIUM, Hyundai continues to champion hydrogen technology as an accessible and environmentally friendly energy solution for the world. The INITIUM concept embodies Hyundai's goal to make hydrogen a go-to clean energy source, offering a sustainable and performance-driven alternative to traditional internal combustion engines.
[1] Hyundai Motor Company. (2021, October 19). Hyundai Motor to unveil 'INITIUM' concept, a hydrogen-powered SUV, at Los Angeles Auto Show and Auto Guangzhou. Hyundai Motor Company. https://www.hyundai.com/global/news/20211019-hyundai-motor-to-unveil-initium-concept-a-hydrogen-powered-suv-at-los-angeles-auto-show-and-auto-guangzhou/
[2] Hyundai Motor Company. (2021, October 19). Hyundai Motor to unveil 'INITIUM' concept, a hydrogen-powered SUV, at Los Angeles Auto Show and Auto Guangzhou. Hyundai Motor Company. https://www.hyundai.com/global/news/20211019-hyundai-motor-to-unveil-initium-concept-a-hydrogen-powered-suv-at-los-angeles-auto-show-and-auto-guangzhou/
[4] Hyundai Motor Company. (2021, October 19). Hyundai Motor to unveil 'INITIUM' concept, a hydrogen-powered SUV, at Los Angeles Auto Show and Auto Guangzhou. Hyundai Motor Company. https://www.hyundai.com/global/news/20211019-hyundai-motor-to-unveil-initium-concept-a-hydrogen-powered-suv-at-los-angeles-auto-show-and-auto-guangzhou/
- The INITIUM's design philosophy incorporates elements from the industrial and automotive sectors, resulting in a rugged aesthetic that emphasizes structural steel.
- SangYup Lee, Hyundai's Head of Global Design, has described the INITIUM as a testament to the 'Art of Steel' design philosophy, highlighting its departure from the sleek finish typical of electric vehicles.
- In addition to its impressive performance capabilities, the INITIUM offers a spacious interior and a smart route planner for hydrogen users, which helps locate fueling stations along the driver's route.
- The INITIUM's Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) feature allows owners to power household devices on the go, contributing to sustainable living by providing electricity without emitting pollutants.
