Hyundai Initium FCEV Concept Previews Brand’s Future Hydrogen SUVs

The all-new Hyundai Initium FCEV Concept previews the brand’s next-gen hydrogen SUV with up to 650 KM of range.

Apart from a slew of Japanese automakers, it appears that Hyundai is also serious about exploring the potential of hydrogen-powered vehicles, as the Korean automaker unveils its new hydrogen fuel cell-powered (FCEV) concept model, known as the Hyundai Initium. This new FCEV concept will serve as a basis for future hydrogen-powered models by Hyundai, which is slated to launch as early as 2025.

Starting with its nomenclature, ‘Initium’ means “beginning” or “first” in Latin, which intends to communicate Hyundai’s big ambition to become a “hydrogen energy pioneer” in the automotive industry. More importantly, the Initium concept showcases the brand’s new “Art of Steel” design language, which will be applied to future FCEV models next year.

From the get-go, we can see that the Initium boasts some familiar boxy design cues seen on some of Hyundai’s latest models, notably the Ioniq 5 EV and the new Santa Fe SUV. Key highlights include the boxy LEDs on both ends, pronounced underbody claddings, a sporty rakish roofline with an inclined rear windscreen, and the large 21-inch aero-optimised wheels the concept rolls on.

Although Hyundai didn’t detail the interior, we’ve been told that the Initium promises a pretty spacious cabin that features a family-oriented layout. Given its futuristic design, we can also expect tons of tech amenities primed inside here, probably on the same level as several Hyundai EV models.

The new Hyundai Initium FCEV Concept promises to deliver up to 650 KM of driving range.

On the mechanical side, the Initium concept is said to feature a comprehensive FCEV powertrain setup, which comprises a 201 HP-rated electric motor and large hydrogen tanks that offer the SUV up to 650 KM of driving range. For reference, the ongoing Hyundai Nexo FCEV only gets a 161 HP-rated e-motor setup with 612 KM of driving range, according to the EPA standards.

More importantly, the Initium FCEV Concept also gets an improved fuel cell stack and battery capacity, which allows the car to support Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality. To address the limited hydrogen fuel station network issue, Hyundai has integrated a new route planner that helps the driver find hydrogen stations along the way, as well as checking their availability and operating status.

While they may not be as aggressive or vocal as Toyota, Hyundai has been a long proponent of hydrogen technology, with the development of its FCEV technology starting 27 years ago, although its first proper FCEV model—the Hyundai Nexo—only made its appearance a few years back in 2018.

As we mentioned earlier, the all-new Hyundai Initium FCEV Concept is slated to spawn several new FCEV models, with the first one slated to debut in early 2025. Prior to that, the Korean automaker will parade its latest FCEV concept in several upcoming international motor shows, such as the 2024 Los Angeles Auto Show in the US and Auto Guangzhou 2024 in China.