We’ve already checked out the Insteroid concept and the facelifted Ioniq 6 in Hyundai’s 2025 Seoul Mobility Show lineup. Now it’s time to look at an all-new model that made its debut at the event: the second-generation Hyundai Nexo.
In case you’re unfamiliar, this is a fuel-cell electric vehicle, more colloquially known as a hydrogen car. With the launch of the first Nexo in 2018, the Korean carmaker has been able to offer a more diversified electric lineup in addition to battery EVs and hybrids. This all-new iteration promises 700km of range from a five-minute top-up.
To accomplish that, the powertrain has been overhauled. The hydrogen fuel stack now puts out 110kW—a 16% improvement over the previous model—and the electric motor delivers 150kW. Meanwhile, battery output is up from 40kW to 80kW. All in all, total system output is 190kW or 255hp, from the previous 135kW (181hp). That drops the Nexo’s 0-100kph time from 9.2sec to 7.8sec.
OTHER STORIES YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED:
Facelifted Isuzu MU-X launched in PH with P1.725-M starting price
The Ford Ranger Super Duty is ready for service (in 2026)
To help the new model achieve its target range, the hydrogen tank capacity has also been increased from 6.33kg to 6.69kg. A regenerative braking system that automatically adjusts using navigation data and actual driving conditions (such as the distance to the car ahead) helps maximize battery recharging through regen, and there’s an FCEV Route Planner that shows hydrogen station info en route to your destination, so you can top up when hydrogen levels are low.
The ‘Goyo’ showcase color (the name means ‘serene’ in Korean) shows off all exterior facets, which is based on the Initium concept and the new ‘Art of Steel’ design language (steel is, of course, a major contributor to Hyundai Motor Group’s business, with Hyundai Steel being the oldest steel manufacturer in South Korea). The ‘HTWO’ lighting units are a good match for the bold lines and blocky shapes that convey solidity and strength.
The focal point of the cockpit is the curved panoramic digital display that combines a 12.3-inch instrument panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. Higher variants get Premium Relaxation Seats in the first row, and the interior is finished in sustainable materials. There’s a Bang & Olufsen audio setup to keep you entertained in your journey, and if you’re headed to an outdoor destination, the Nexo can power your camping necessities via V2L technology.
According to Hyundai, the all-new Nexo is “coming to global markets later this year.” The Korean carmaker will be hoping this model helps it retain its position as the top-selling FCEV manufacturer globally, and halt its 23.5% drop in FCEV sales performance from 2023 to 2024. A number of automotive brands are still pursuing FCEV development, but hydrogen refueling infrastructure requires massive development for this type of vehicle to really take off.
