2025 Hyundai Nexo debuts – 2nd-gen FCEV with 204 PS; 700 km range recoverable with five-minute fuel up

In addition to the facelifted Ioniq 6, Hyundai also revealed the second-generation Nexo at this year’s Seoul Mobility Show. Previewed by the Initium concept from 2024, the brand’s latest fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) replaces the first-generation model which made its debut in 2018 and was previewed in Malaysia the same year.

The new Nexo is slightly larger than its predecessor, measuring in at 4,750 mm long (+80 mm), 1,865 mm wide (+5 mm) and 1,640 mm tall, although the wheelbase remains unchanged at 2,790 mm. Even so, the mid-size SUV looks visually big thanks to its ‘Art of Steel’ design language that features bold lines and a solid structure for a rugged image, which is the opposite of curvaceous original.

Standing more upright than the old model, notable design cues on the blocky SUV include lighting elements dubbed ‘HTWO Lamps’ as well as ‘4 Dot Lamps’. These give the Nexo a distinctive look and were also present on the concept shown last year.

Other reminders of the concept include the horizontal groove patterns on the doors, flush door handles, side cameras in place of traditional mirrors and thick C-pillars that split through the side glass and blend into the rear doors.

While the exterior is a standout, the Nexo’s cabin features elements that are familiar to those who have ever sat in a modern Hyundai such as the Santa Fe and Palisade. On the dashboard are dual 12.3-inch displays (digital instrument cluster and central infotainment touchscreen), while in the middle just below the full-width air vents is dual-mode touch panel for climate and media controls.

The larger size and new shape also allows for 993 litres of boot space behind the second row based on SAE measurement. First-row Relaxation Seats with leg rests are available in selected market, while the second-row seats have an increased reclining angle and can be optioned with a ventilation function. The rear doors also open wider than before (80 vs 70 degrees) for easier ingress/egress.

Given its sustainability focus, Hyundai also used a variety of sustainable materials for the Nexo, 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.

Other available features for the Nexo include a comprehensive ADAS suite, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, a 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, voice recognition generative AI, a 12-inch head-up display, dual wireless charging pads, digital key support, a digital centre mirror, built-in digital video recorders, in-vehicle fingerprint authentication and a route planner that incorporates necessary hydrogen stations into routes when energy levels are low.

On that mention, the new Nexo’s powertrain sees significant improvements over its predecessor. For starters, the battery capacity has gone up from 1.56 kWh to 2.64 kWh and its output has been doubled to 80 kW from 40 kW.

Meanwhile, the hydrogen tanks can hold up to 6.69 kg (previously 6.33 kg) to power the fuel cell stack that also sees a higher gross output of 110 kW from 95 kW. Together, the total system output is 190 kW (previously 135 kW), with power sent to a front electric motor that is rated at 204 PS (201 hp or 150 kW) and 350 Nm of torque – the previous model offered 163 PS (161 hp or 120 kW) and 395 Nm.

As a result, the 0-100 km/h time stands at 7.8 seconds compared with 9.2 seconds for the previous Nexo. The top speed is 179 km/h and the Nexo will be able to tow for the first time, provided the trailer doesn’t weigh more than 1,000 kg.

According to Hyundai, the Nexo is targeted to have driving range of over 700 km. This is with 18-inch wheels (19-inch units are optional) and in the GL trim offered in its home market. More impressively, the company says it takes just five minutes to add the same amount of range. Keep in mind that the outgoing Nexo provides a range of 666 km following the WLTP standard, more if on a world record attempt. Sales of the new Nexo will begin later this year.

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