Some manufacturers continue to believe in electric vehicles powered by a hydrogen fuel cell, the famous FCEV (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle), rather than storing electricity in a battery (BEV). This is the case of the South Korean manufacturer Hyundai who has just revealed theTHE BEGINNING during his “Clearly Committed” event held in Seoul, South Korea.
The Hyundai INITIUM, whose name means “beginning” or “first”, is, for the moment, a concept vehicle, but it offers a glimpse of a future production vehicle from Hyundai that uses hydrogen fuel cell technology .
For the uninitiated, a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle is actually an electric vehicle. It is distinguished by the origin of its energy. Instead of using a battery as the primary power source, it uses a fuel cell that produces electricity through a chemical reaction. Hyundai wants, with the INITIUM concept, to demonstrate its commitment to this technology that it has been developing for 27 years.
A range of 650 kilometers
Hyundai wanted to focus on 3 important aspects when developing the INITIUM concept: autonomy, performance and a spacious interior. The manufacturer wants to make it an ideal vehicle for families, also capable of supplying a house with electricity thanks to its V2L technology. The INITIUM is designed to be able to be plugged directly into a 220-volt household outlet, transforming it from a means of transportation to an energy provider.
One of the biggest advantages of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles is range. The INITIUM has large hydrogen tanks in order to maximize its autonomy, it is estimated at 650 kilometers according to the manufacturer. Not only is the autonomy there, but the vehicle will also be efficient, it could be equipped with a 204 horsepower (150 kilowatts) electric motor.
A route planner
The main problem with hydrogen vehicles at the moment is the refueling network which is almost non-existent. In order to limit the effects, the concept vehicle offers a specific route planner which allows refueling terminals to be taken into account. The network will certainly need to develop a little more in order to increase the relevance of such an application.
In terms of styling, the Hyundai INITIUM also introduces a new styling language dubbed “Art of Steel”.
“Our challenge started at the manufacturing stage where we pushed the formability of steel to the extreme in order to create an art form,” said Mr Lee. “With the INITIUM prototype, we have created a more SUV-like design that is both strong and safe, reflecting our dedication to our customers through customer-centric design.” This new design will be an integral part of the future production model.
Hyundai says marketing of its next hydrogen fuel cell vehicle will begin on 1is half of 2025. As for the INITIUM concept, it will be presented for the first time in North America at the Los Angeles Auto Show which will take place a little later in November.
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