Exploring the Future: Inside Hyundai’s Hydrogen Concept Car

Hyundai is one of the few automotive companies that are dedicated to the research, design, and development of hydrogen-based eco-friendly cars. After many years, they have finally released a hydrogen concept car showcasing all their hard work.

Hyundai named this vehicle “Initium” – Latin for “first” or “beginning” – to herald its upcoming line of hydrogen-based cars. The company markets this 400-mile-range SUV for urban drivers. So, let’s take a closer look at this futuristic concept SUV. 

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Hyundai’s Vision for the Intium: Fuel Efficiency Meets Extended Range

While Hyundai has released pictures of the Intium, at the moment, the technical details are a little sparse. But what they have disclosed is that it used a large hydrogen fuel tank and low-rolling-resistance tires, both of which increase the vehicle range. They have not specified the size of the hydrogen fuel cell, but as they want at least a 400-mile driving range, think big!

When it comes to speed, the current FCEV stack can complete 0-100km in 8.0 seconds and 80- 120 km in 6.0 seconds, which is excellent acceleration. As the Intium will have the third-generation fuel cell stack installed under its bonnet, its numbers would be even better. The original fuel cell stack, designed in 2013, has a power density of 2.09 kW/l, and the 2018 second-generation, installed in the Hyundai Nero, has a higher power output of 3.2 kW/l. So, it is expected that the power density will also increase. 

Along with increased power, Hyundai also informed us that the durability of the new hydrogen stack will have increased by 40 percent when compared with the second-generation fuel cell. Also, there is a small door located on the passenger side of this car containing a 220-volt household outlet, which gives it vehicle-to-load electricity. When charged to full capacity, the Intium will be capable of producing up to 100 kWh of offboard power, which could power a home in Korea for approximately ten days. 

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Bold Steel: Breaking Down the Intium’s Rugged Design Language

So, now that we have discussed the hydrogen fuel cell, what about the rest of the vehicle?

One of the main points that Hyundai wants to discuss about the Intium is its steel exterior design. The outside of this SUV is unique and striking that is sure to turn heads. It has a rugged design with blocky fenders and a lot of exposed steel placed strategically around the car, ensuring it looks tougher than the Nexo. Signature lights encircle the exterior, featuring square headlights, integrated grille lights, and illumination at both ends of the roof rack. While blocky, masculine shapes dominate the exterior design, curved C-pillars and rear windows create overall balance. 

While the exterior is sure to get people talking, we unfortunately did not get a sneak peek of the interior. But it is equipped with nine airbags, driver monitoring, and numerous safety features such as driver assist. 

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These features, combined with the latest hydrogen fuel cell technology, position the Intium to become a hot seller for Hyundai upon release. As hydrogen charging becomes more mainstream, these cars will become increasingly popular with consumers. They have several advantages over EVs, including that they only take a few minutes to refuel with gas, similar to the traditional combustion engine. So, watch this space.  

Production on this Hydrogen Concept Car Begins 2025

Hyundai has promised patient customers that this vehicle will start production in the first half of 2025, so you will not have long to wait. Hyundai has not yet announced the price of its newest SUV.

The Intium represents the future of Hyundai and how the company is evolving. They are focusing on a cleaner, quieter, safer future, starting with the Intium SUV and hydrogen fuel cells.

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