- NEXO is a Hyundai advanced technological showcase with only clean H2O emissions
- New Advanced Driver Assistance Systems include Remote Smart Parking Assist and Lane Following Assist
- NEXO is the only mass-produced fuel cell SUV for the U.S. market and boasts an estimated range of 380 miles
- NEXO battery is covered by Hyundai’s industry leading Lifetime Battery Warranty
HOLLYWOOD, Calif., Oct. 9, 2018 – Hyundai today introduced its technologically-advanced 2019 NEXO fuel cell SUV to U.S. media at the Sunset Marquis hotel in Hollywood, California. NEXO is the new technological flagship of Hyundai’s growing eco-vehicle portfolio and marks Hyundai’s continued momentum with the industry’s most diverse SUV powertrain lineup. NEXO will be available in California before the end of 2018. Southern California NEXO dealers include Keyes Hyundai in Van Nuys and Tustin Hyundai, while Capitol Hyundai is planned to be added in Northern California in early 2019.
NEXO leads Hyundai Motor’s plans in development of zero-emission vehicles. Hyundai Motor Group plans to introduce 38 eco-friendly models by 2025 and Hyundai Motor Company plans to introduce 18 models by 2025. This new development plan also represents the next step for Hyundai Motor toward realizing a cleaner environment via advanced eco-friendly vehicles.
Hyundai’s NEXO vision
“Hydrogen energy is the key to building a more sustainable society. Hyundai Motor Company has already taken a lead in hydrogen technology with the introduction of the Tucson fuel cell,” said Dr. Woong-chul Yang, Vice Chairman, Hyundai Motor Company. “Yet as another result of this earth-saving effort, I am so proud to introduce to you our second-generation NEXO Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle as a culmination of our cutting-edge technologies.”
Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS)
NEXO offers a number of advanced driver assist systems, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), Lane Following Assist (LFA), Driver Attention Warning (DAW), High Beam Assist (HBA) and Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA).
Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA)
RSPA enables NEXO to either autonomously park or retrieve itself from either a parallel or perpendicular parking space with or without a driver in the vehicle. The RSPA system can even autonomously back NEXO into a parking spot with a touch of a key fob button by the driver. When faced with any challenging parking scenario, NEXO drivers will be able to park with complete confidence and reduced stress.
Lane Following Assist
Lane Following Assist (LFA) is a new technology for Hyundai, showcased first in the NEXO fuel cell. LFA automatically helps assist steering to help keep NEXO more precisely centered in its current lane of travel. LFA can help keep NEXO centered in its lane at speeds between zero and 90 miles per hour on both highways and city streets. This advanced driving assistance feature is an additional aid helping drivers to traverse long distances with greater ease.
Blind-spot View Monitor (BVM) and Surround-view Monitors (SVM)
Hyundai’s Blind-spot View Monitor is an industry-first technology. It projects the side views of NEXO in the center cluster to the driver using cameras while changing lanes with the turn signal on. The system uses wide-angle Surround View Monitors (SVM) on each side of the vehicle to monitor areas that cannot be seen by a traditional rearview mirror and create various exterior vehicle perspective views. Hyundai is the first automaker to provide drivers video footage from both sides of the vehicle with this feature.
Blind-spot Collision-Avoidance Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist
BCA and RCCA both utilize sensor technologies to help alert the NEXO driver of approaching vehicles in its intended path, whether changing lanes or when backing out of a parking spot. Blind-spot Collision-Avoidance also helps provide steering correction when the turn signal is on and the system detects a vehicle in the blind spot area of the NEXO. This is the first application of blind spot steering assist in a Hyundai vehicle in the U.S. market.
Outstanding Range, Power and Efficiency
Improving upon the Tucson FCEV, the NEXO Blue model has an estimated driving range of 380 miles, 115 more than its predecessor. The NEXO Limited trim has an estimated range of 354 miles. NEXO Blue models have estimated MPGe of 65 city, 58 highway and 61 combined, while NEXO Limited models have an estimated MPGe of 59 city, 54 highway, and 57 combined.
In addition, NEXO refueling time can be achieved in as little as five minutes, allowing a consumer lifestyle very similar to a comparable gasoline-powered SUV in terms of range and refueling speed. NEXO hydrogen storage uses three separate hydrogen tanks in the rear of the vehicle. These are configured to maximize overall interior volume, especially in the rear cargo area, increasing it by 5.8 cubic feet over the Tucson Fuel Cell and allowing for a flatter load floor.
With 161 peak horsepower (120 kW) and 291 lb.-ft. of torque, acceleration and power have also increased to improve NEXO overall performance compared with Tucson fuel cell.
Eco Materials
NEXO uses a number of ecological materials in its construction, including soybean-oil based polyurethane paint, bamboo-thread-based bio fabric, bio-plastic extracted from sugar cane and bio-carpet extracted from sugar cane. Bio-based materials were applied to 47 different parts and reduced CO2 emissions by 26 lbs. during the manufacturing process.
Advanced Aerodynamics
NEXO features a number of aerodynamic design features, including a D-pillar air tunnel, front wheel air curtains, aerodynamic wheel design, auto-flush door handles and hidden front wipers. These contribute to an overall Cd of 0.32, excellent for an SUV of this size.
Structure, Suspension and Handling
To achieve an ultra-rigid structure while maintaining a light weight, NEXO uses Advanced High Strength Steel (AHSS). AHSS also reduces cabin NVH and gives the suspension a rigid structure from which to precisely articulate body movements.
NEXO utilizes a fully-independent McPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension for both sporty cornering feel and superior ride comfort. Steering uses a motor-driven system tuned for smoothness and responsiveness. Michelin® tires are fitted on both the 17-inch and 19-inch alloy wheels for excellent handling and good ride comfort.
Extreme Temperatures
Designed to handle extreme temperatures and environments, NEXO testing has proven that the vehicle is capable of starting after being subject to overnight temperatures of -20 degrees Fahrenheit. NEXO boasts cold-start capability within 30 seconds, an industry-leading benchmark, and the fuel cell system warms up quickly for maximum performance. The NEXO also has excellent cooling performance on steep grades with temperatures exceeding 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
Improvements in the air supply system, performance at high altitudes and refueling times, along with overall efficiency and fuel economy, put the NEXO in a class all its own. In addition, the NEXO has improved power density and durability comparable with gasoline-powered vehicles of a similar class.
Convenience and Audio
NEXO features a number of advanced comfort and convenience features, including a sunroof, electric parking brake, smart power tailgate, Qi wireless smartphone charging pad, Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto®, Text-to-Speech via Bluetooth®, heated and ventilated front seats and split-folding rear seats. Audio and navigation display is via a large, high-resolution 12.3 inch touchscreen, while the center cluster supervision display is a full seven inches. Transmission control is via a push-button shift-by-wire design on a floating center console bridge, freeing up valuable center console storage space directly below the control console.
NEXO features two available audio systems. The premium system is branded Krell®, and features a 440-watt, eight-channel premium amplifier, premium Krell speakers and a custom-developed live dynamic algorithm for superior audio performance.
Blue Link®
The NEXO Blue Link remote-start function includes a Hyundai-first: remote heated and cooled seats. It also includes a hydrogen fuel station locator, real-time range, fuel level and a monthly vehicle health report with on-demand diagnostics of the hydrogen system. Blue Link services are complimentary for three years.
Trims and Color
NEXO will be offered in two trim levels: Blue and Limited. The Limited model adds 19-inch alloy wheels, sunroof, power liftgate, and remote smart parking assist. NEXO colors include white pearl, cocoon silver, copper metallic and dusk blue. Interior environments include stone gray and meteor blue and use a vegan-based leatherette seating surface.
Dedicated Architecture
Hyundai’s NEXO fuel cell vehicle is built with exclusive dedicated vehicle architecture. This architecture has many benefits including:
- Lighter weight
- Improved power-to-weight ratio
- Faster acceleration from 0 to 60 mph than the Tucson FCEV
- Increased rear cargo volume of 29.6 cubic feet; 5.8 cubic feet more than Tucson FCEV
- Allows battery to be relocated to the trunk
- Improved fuel cell system layout with better space efficiency
NEXO vs. Tucson Fuel Cell System Architecture
- NEXO’s fuel cell stack and battery have more net power to supply a more powerful motor
- NEXO’s powertrain is lighter and has improved packaging
- NEXO uses three tanks for improved platform packaging vs. Tucson Fuel Cell
Powertrain Improvements
- NEXO’s powertrain is lighter and takes up less total space compared with Tucson FCEV
- More efficient fuel cell stack
- Better module integration
- Smaller
- Lighter
Drivability
- Peak acceleration is increased by 25 percent compared with Tucson FCEV
- NEXO accelerates from 0 to 60 mph a full 20 percent faster than Tucson FCEV
- NEXO has more torque than the Tucson FCEV
Range
- NEXO has 40 percent more range than the Tucson FCEV
- NEXO Blue has an estimated range of 380 miles compared with Tucson FCEV at 265 miles
Quiet Driving Characteristics
- All NEXO moving parts are inside the engine bay which isolates the noise to one area of the body architecture
Durability
- NEXO has the same level of durability as internal combustion engine vehicles
Hydrogen Storage
- NEXO’s storage system is lighter than the Tucson FCEV
- NEXO’s storage system has world-class storage density
- NEXO can be refueled within five minutes or less
Overall Summary
| NEXO | Difference | Tucson FCEV | ||
| Spec. | Length(in.) | 183.9 | 10.3 in. | 173.6 |
| Width(in.) | 73.2 | 1.5 in. | 71.7 | |
| Height(in.) | 64.2 | (1.0) in. | 65.2 | |
| Wheelbase(in.) | 109.8 | 5.9 in. | 103.9 | |
| Power | 135 kW
Fuel Cell : 95kW Battery :40kW |
11 kW
(5 kW) 16 kW |
124 kW
Fuel Cell : 100kW Battery : 24kW |
|
| Motor | 120 kW
291 lb.-ft. of torque |
20 kW
70 lb.-ft. |
100 kW
221 lb.-ft. of torque |
|
| 0 to 60 mph | 9.5 seconds | (3.0) sec. | 12.5 seconds | |
| MPGe | Blue: 65/58/61 Combined
Limited: 59/54/57 Combined |
Blue: 16/7/11
Limited: 10/3/7 |
49/51/50 Combined | |
| Range | 380 (Blue) / 354 (Limited) (estimated) | 115 / 89 | 265 miles | |
The Hyundai Nexo, a new Hyundai fuel-cell SUV that heralds a new era in fuel cell vehicles.
- The next-generation fuel cell vehicle NEXO travels 609 kilometers on a single charge that takes less than five minutes
- Hyundai offers Level 4 autonomous driving technology experiences in NEXO vehicles and operate fuel cell-powered buses in PyeongChang in February
- The NEXO demonstrates what the future of driving will look like
- NEXO allows customers to experience the future with innovative convenience features
SEOUL, Feb. 20, 2018 – It’s been a busy start to the year for Hyundai’s next-generation fuel cell vehicle NEXO, scheduled to be released in Korea next month. Unveiled at CES 2018 as the technological flagship of Hyundai’s growing eco-vehicle portfolio, the NEXO SUV model is set to spearhead Hyundai Motor’s plans to accelerate development of low emission vehicles. This is in line with Hyundai Motor Group’s renewed goal of introducing 38 eco-friendly models to global markets by 2025.
The all-new Hyundai NEXO combines the practicality of an SUV with clean advanced fuel cell technology. The NEXO is capable of travelling 609 kilometres (*on Korean certificate basis) on a single charge, the best among fuel cell-powered vehicles in the world. This next generation vehicle offers the most advanced technology on the market with various advanced driver assistance systems and the strongest powertrains in the segment.
Autonomous driving NEXO’s and fuel cell buses service PyeonChang visitors
Throughout February, visitors to PyeonChang will have the opportunity to experience Hyundai’s world-first, next-generation self-driven fuel cell electric cars. All five vehicles that completed the world’s-first journey will be available for visitors to experience around the urban roads of PyeongChang.
In addition, throughout February, four third-generation safety-amplified fuel cell electric buses will transport passengers in Gangneung and PyeongChang. Each vehicle is fitted with cutting-edge Driver State Warning (DSW) safety technology. This dashboard camera monitors the driver’s facial expressions in real-time. Blinking, yawning, and the driver taking their gaze off the road ahead for a certain length of time are all cues that the driver may be experiencing fatigue and be in danger of driving carelessly. If detected, alerts are delivered via dashboard messages and through audio cues. DSW can be paired with wearable devices such as smart watches, to alert the driver with additional vibration cues.
This is the first time in Korea that such technology has been deployed in public transport. In future, Hyundai will continue efforts to reinforce safety features for commercial vehicles including public transportation.
Pure design visualizing innovation
The all-new NEXO is characterized by a pure and calm design emphasizing its streamlined silhouette and a floating roof. A pure shape engineered to be efficient, yet beautiful, reflecting the style of an SUV.
The seamless front appears wide and clearly defined with composite horizontal full LED daytime running lights. The headlamps are linked by a continuous, thin line of light underlining the elegant and horizontal front layout. Triangular fog lights below the headlamps emphasize the progressive character of the car. Hyundai’s signature Cascading Grille has been widened to increase the air intake, rounding off the strong visual impact of the front.
The seamless design continues over the side to the rear. The thin, floating roof is emphasized by the large daylight opening and slim D-pillar that runs into the rear spoiler. The rear features an almost triangular shaped window that wraps to the side and a long, prominent spoiler with an integrated rear wiper creating a distinct look. The triangular design of the rear headlamps combined with the horizontal layout of the rear gives the car a strong stance.
NEXO is the first Hyundai vehicle with integrated flush door handles. This special handle accomplishes a clean design of the car’s side and improves the airflow. Drivers can opt for automatic deployment of the door handles, either for the driver’s door or for all four doors. The mechanism is automatically deployed after five seconds when the car is started. When the car decelerates to 3 km/h, the handles retract automatically.
Futuristic interior
The interior continues the car’s horizontal layout in the dashboard. Most prominent is the wide black dashboard that houses two large LCD displays which add up to a size of 12.3 inches. The left display holds the digital instrument cluster to show speed, fuel level and driving efficiency. The right screen comes with a new split-screen function and a new home screen for the navigation, connectivity and infotainment features.
NEXO’s shift-by-wire function makes it possible to integrate a free floating central console. This solution leaves extra storage space underneath the console for personal items. Physical buttons operate the shift by wire, activate drive modes and change the climate settings; the physical control knob accesses navigation functions. A large lower tray holds the wireless charging and a USB port.
The world’s first unified three-tank system with its small tank size allows for better space usage. Additionally, the wheelbase is increased by 150 mm compared to the ix35 Fuel Cell. This results in the best total interior space of any current fuel cell electric vehicle and creates a fully flat luggage area with a luggage capacity of 839 liters.
The design of the all-new NEXO is optimized to reduce the drag coefficient. Multiple aerodynamic features are discreetly integrated into the front, side and rear. The aerodynamics is enhanced by wheel air curtains in the front fender, retractable door handles, a full body undercover and large air ducts as part of the D-pillar. The overall drag coefficient is as low as 0.329.
The engine’s oxygen flow is met by the large opening of the cascading grille at the front and small air intakes at the rear of the car.
Most advanced fuel cell powertrain with the best driving range
The Hyundai NEXO was designed with new vehicle architecture that benefits the car in many ways: the car is lighter; the battery is relocated to the trunk and the fuel cell system layout is improved.
NEXO is the perfect daily use zero-emission vehicle—living up to Hyundai’s development philosophy of optimum efficiency with zero sacrifice in driving performance. The fuel cell powertrain is lighter and has improved packaging. It achieves a maximum power output of 120 kW (163 PS) and a torque of 395 Nm. NEXO accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.2 seconds and reaches a class best top speed of 179 km/h.
The eco-friendly fuel cell powertrain boasts an increased rate of hydrogen utilization and component efficiency. This results in the world’s best system efficiency of 60 percent. The NEXO has the best driving range of 609 km under Korean certificate standard—better than any other fuel cell or electric car. This range is comparable to that of an internal combustion engine and allows drivers to travel long distances without nervousness about range.
The newly developed vehicle platform integrates three identical tanks with a volume of 52.2 liters of hydrogen per tank, resulting in a world-class storage density and higher fuel capacity. Despite the higher storage capacity, the all-new NEXO takes only five minutes to refuel.
Designed to handle extreme temperature and environments, the NEXO will cold start even when the outside temperature drops to -30 degrees Celsius in an industry-leading 30 seconds.
A highly durable membrane electrode catalyst and new drive control technology gives the NEXO outstanding and unprecedented durability that is on a par with an internal combustion engine vehicle of at least 10 years and 160,000 kilometers.
Fuel cell vehicles purify the air as they drive
Fuel cell electric vehicles, just like battery-powered electric vehicles, do not emit particulates. A special benefit is that that they also filter and purify the air as they drive. The NEXO reduces fine dust pollution by that of two diesel cars travelling the same distance.
The efficient and durable high-performance air filter can filter micro-particulates smaller than particulate matter (PM) 2.5 in size. In short, when air filters through the NEXO, 99.9 percent of particulates are purified and the instrument cluster displays how much you have contributed toward cleaning the environment around you.
Blind-spot View Monitor (BVM)
Hyundai’s Blind-spot View Monitor is an industry-first technology. On a center cluster screen, it shows drivers the rear and side views of NEXO using cameras while changing lanes in either direction. The system uses wide angle Surround View Monitors (SVM) on each side of the vehicle to monitor areas that cannot be seen by a traditional rearview mirror. Hyundai is the first automaker to provide driver’s video footage from both sides of the vehicle.
Lane Following Assist (LFA) and Highway Driving Assist (HDA)
Lane Following Assist is an all-new technology for Hyundai and it debuts in the NEXO. LFA automatically adjusts steering to help keep NEXO centered in its lane of travel. LFA can keep NEXO centered at speeds between 0 and 145 kilometers per hour on both highways and city streets. When paired with Hyundai’s Highway Driving Assist (HDA) which utilizes sensors and map data to ensure safe operation as well as automatically adjust speed in limited environments, drivers will be able to traverse long distances with greater ease and improved safety.
Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA)
RSPA enables NEXO to autonomously park or retrieve itself from a parking space with or without a driver in the car. The RSPA system can even back a NEXO into a parking spot by itself with a touch of a button from the driver. When faced with any challenging parking scenario, NEXO drivers will be able to park with complete confidence and accuracy.
Hyundai SmartSense: Highest level of active safety
LFA, HDA and RSPA are three of the nine different ADAS technologies included with the NEXO. The NEXO, the ultimate future utility vehicle model, features the latest Hyundai SmartSense™ active safety and driving assistance features to comply with the highest European safety standards: Forward Collision Warning, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with pedestrian detection, Lane Keeping Assist (standard), High Beam Assist with Static Low Beam Assist, Driver Attention Warning (standard), Blind-Spot Collision Warning and an optional Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning.
World’s first self-driven fuel cell electric vehicle
In early February, a fleet of Hyundai Motor’s next generation fuel cell electric vehicles succeeded in completing a self-driven 190 kilometers journey from Seoul to PyeongChang. This was the first time in the world that Level 4 autonomous driving had been achieved with fuel cell electric cars.. Previously these vehicles were only demonstrated at a limited speeds on some sections of Korean roads.
Five Hyundai vehicles completed the journey. Three vehicles were based on Hyundai’s next-generation fuel cell electric NEXO SUVs and the other two were Genesis G80 autonomous vehicles. All vehicles were equipped with Level 4 self-driving technology, as defined by the SAE international standards, and 5G network technology. The vehicles used for the demonstration were “futuristic vehicles” that closely represent Hyundai’s three visions for future mobility: connected mobility, freedom in mobility and clean mobility.
The demonstration started in Seoul on Feb. 2 with the CRUISE and SET buttons being pressed on the autonomous-driving steering wheel of each vehicle, at which point the cars immediately switched to self-driving mode and began the 190 km journey to PyeongChang. Entering the highway, the vehicles moved in response to the natural flow of traffic. They executed lane changes and overtaking maneuvers, and navigated toll gates using Hi-pass, South-Korea’s wireless expressway payment system.
These vehicles featured a number of advanced technologies that enabled them to recognize surrounding vehicles more accurately, make better judgments at junctions and at branching roads. The vehicles navigate through toll gates by accurately calculating the toll gate’s width and position, and precisely pinpointing the vehicle’s position on a map by using external sensors fitted for situations when the GPS signal was interrupted, such as going through long underground tunnels.
This demonstration brings Hyundai Motor Group, which includes flagship units Hyundai Motor and Kia Motors, a step closer to the commercialization of the SAE standard Level 4 compliant autonomous-driving system in smart cities by 2021. Hyundai also plans to commercialize the technology for fully autonomous driving by 2030.
NEXO Technical Specifications
Powertrain / Motor / Battery
| Powertrain | |
| Motor type | Front-mounted induction motor |
| Maximum power | 120 kW / 163 PS |
| Maximum torque | 395 Nm |
| 0-to-100 km/h acceleration | 9.2 s |
| 80-to-120 km/h acceleration | 7.4 s |
| Cold-start temperature | -30°C |
| Battery | |
| Total system output (kW) | 135 kW |
| Power output (kW) battery | 40 kW |
| Power output (kW) fuel cell stack | 95 kW |
| Stack density (kW/l) | 3.1 |
| Performance | |
| Maximum speed | 179 km/h |
| CO2 combined (g/km) | 0 g/km |
| Driving range | Korea – 609 kms
U.S. – 370 miles (estimated) |
| Aerodynamics | |
| Drag coefficient | 0.329 |
Exterior Dimensions (mm)
| Overall length | 4,670 |
| Overall width | 1,860 |
| Overall height | 1,630 |
| Wheelbase | 2,790 |
| Ground clearance | 140 |
| Front overhang | 960 |
| Rear overhang | 920 |
Interior Dimensions (mm)
| First row | Second row | |
| Head room | 1,001 | 965 |
| Leg room | 1,054 | 981 |
Capacities (liters)
| Fuel tank | 156.6 |
| Luggage (l VDA) | 839 |
※ NOTE – Specification may vary by market / region