Hyundai to mass produce INITIUM hydrogen vehicle

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  • Hyundai unveils its INITIUM hydrogen fuel cell electric concept vehicle, reinforcing its clear commitment to hydrogen mobility and sustainability
  • The concept showcases the companyโ€™s new design language โ€˜Art of Steelโ€™ and reflects the Hyundai Motorโ€™s customer-centric approach
  • Targeted driving range of over 650km [estimated driving range calculated with Hyundai Motorโ€™s target fuel economy, when tested with 18-inch tire]with a maximum motor output of 150 kW
  • INITIUM previews new production FCEV coming in the first half of 2025.
Hyundai Motor Company today unveiled its INITIUM hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) concept at its โ€˜Clearly Committedโ€™ event held at Hyundai Motorstudio Goyang.

INITIUM is a Latin word meaning โ€˜beginningโ€™ or โ€˜firstโ€™, representing Hyundai Motorโ€™s status as a hydrogen energy pioneer and its commitment to develop a hydrogen society.

 

INITIUM provides a preview of a new production FCEV that Hyundai Motor plans to unveil in the first half of next year. The concept encapsulates the companyโ€™s 27 years of hydrogen technology development and reflects its clear commitment to achieving a sustainable hydrogen society.

This unique hydrogen fuel cell-powered SUV concept also marks the debut of Hyundai Motorโ€™s new design language โ€“ called โ€˜Art of Steelโ€™ โ€“ embodying the character of HTWO, Hyundai Motor Groupโ€™s dedicated hydrogen value chain business brand.

Hyundai Motor launched its HTWO hydrogen value chain business brand earlier this year at CES 2024, highlighting how Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung is focusing the Groupโ€™s efforts on hydrogen energy.

Unveiling the vision for HTWO Grid โ€“ an end-to-end hydrogen energy solution that spans production, storage, transportation and utilization โ€“ Executive Chair Chung expressed the Groupโ€™s commitment to actively participate in the development of a hydrogen society and underscored the Groupโ€™s capabilities to achieve this goal, highlighting that โ€œThe shift to hydrogen energy is for future generations.โ€

INITIUM advances FCEV performance, comfort and safety

INITIUMโ€™s development focused on three primary aspects: superior driving range and enhanced performance, which are key strengths of hydrogen cars; a spacious interior and luggage area, making it ideal for families; and unique convenience and safety features distinctive to hydrogen cars.

One of the biggest advantages of a hydrogen FCEV is impressive driving range and the flexibility this brings. With INITIUM, Hyundai Motor has equipped the concept with large hydrogen fuel tanks to maximize the vehicleโ€™s range, enhancing the benefits of hydrogen FCEVs.

Hyundai Motor has also fitted INITIUM with aerodynamic wheels to reduce drag wrapped in low rolling resistance tires, for a targeted driving range of more than 650 km [estimated driving range calculated with Hyundai Motorโ€™s target fuel economy, when tested with 18-inch tire]between refueling.

As for performance, INITIUM offers excellent acceleration and smooth overtaking capability. By further developing Hyundaiโ€™s fuel cell technology the company has increased the output of the stack and enhanced battery capacity, allowing for an electric motor output of up to 150 kW. This ensures drivers experience smooth driving in urban areas and at higher speeds on highways.

 

INITIUM delivers an impressive level of interior space and versatility suitable for a family SUV, with a large living space for second-row passengers that features seat backs with a large reclining angle for increased comfort. INITIUMโ€™s wide body and large rear-door opening angle enhance convenience for rear-seat passengers when getting in and out of the car.

INITIUM includes a FCEV-specific route planner that addresses one of the biggest pain points for FCEV buyers: charging infrastructure. With this feature, users can easily plot an optimal route, finding charging stations along the way without having to access a separate app or make a phone call. Users can check the location accessibility and operating status of an identified charging station, as well as the number of waiting vehicles and therefore the possibility of charging.

In addition, INITIUMโ€™s hydrogen fuel cell provides electricity without emitting any pollutants. This electricity can be used to power and charge various household appliances and personal devices via the conceptโ€™s Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) feature. Notably, the outdoor terminal is designed to connect directly to a 220V household outlet, transforming INITIUM from a means of transportation into a potential energy supplier.

In line with Hyundai Motorโ€™s commitment to uncompromising safety, INITIUM has been developed to achieve top-tier collision safety and driving safety performance globally. To ensure ample safety for passengers in the event of a collision, the vehicle is reinforced with a multi-skeleton structure at the front, as well as a side body structure, and incorporates nine airbags, ensuring world-class collision safety performance.

Hyundai Motor plans to showcase INITIUM at the Los Angeles Auto Show and Auto Guangzhou in November, further solidifying its position in the global market as a hydrogen mobility leader. The production version of the INITIUM concept is set to launch in the first half of 2025.

Author: Bryan Groenendaal

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