Next Hyundai Nexo hydrogen SUV confirmed, fuel-cell Staria to follow

Hyundai’s fuel-cell SUV will get another generation, ahead of hydrogen people mover and large SUV models due in the years that follow.

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The Hyundai Nexo hydrogen fuel-cell SUV will live on for another generation – and it’s just one in a fleet of new hydrogen vehicles from the Korean brand over the coming years.

Confirmed for launch in 2023, the next-generation Nexo SUV will mark the third generation of Hyundai’s series-production hydrogen fuel-cell technology, following the current Nexo launched overseas in 2018 (and in Australia earlier in 2021) and the earlier ix35 Fuel Cell of 2013.

Also due for launch in 2023 is a “hydrogen-powered multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) model”, widely tipped to be a hydrogen version of the recently-released Staria people mover – with Korean reports pointing to a launch in the second half of the year.

A large SUV powered by hydrogen fuel-cells will follow “after 2025”, though the finer details of the model – including whether it will be a standalone vehicle like the Nexo, or based on an existing model as per the Staria – are yet to be revealed.

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Hyundai has also pledged to supply fuel-cell powertrains to “all types of mobility fleets and other areas of life”, with further introduction of hydrogen technologies in its range of heavy-duty trucks also likely.

Announced at the Munich motor show, the Korean marque plans for battery-electric and hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles – clustered under the ‘zero-emission vehicles’ (ZEVs) label – to account for 30 per cent of global sales by 2030, ahead of an 80 per cent share by 2040.

It has also pledged to reduce carbon emissions by 75 per cent from 2019 levels by 2040, ahead of full carbon neutrality in 2045 – detailed here.

Joining the fuel-cell vehicles in global showrooms will be the brand’s expanding range of Ioniq-badged dedicated electric vehicles, commencing with the Ioniq 5 mid-size SUV unveiled in February 2021, and due in Australian dealerships in the fourth quarter of 2021 (October to December).

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The brand’s next electric vehicle, the Ioniq 6 sedan, is slated to launch in late 2022, followed by an Ioniq 7 large SUV in early 2024.

The current Kona Electric – based on the petrol-powered Kona – is set to continue until around 2024 (using Hyundai and Kia’s seven-year life cycles as a guide), though whether a next-generation model will be offered isn’t clear. The recently-revealed, Korean-market Casper is also set to spawn an electric variant in 2023, using a 135kW electric motor designed by industry supplier BorgWarner.

“Hyundai Motor will remain steadfast in our pursuit of carbon neutrality and lead the way in the development of holistic solutions,” said Thomas Schemera, Hyundai Motor Company global marketing chief.

“As a smart mobility solution provider, Hyundai also aspires to provide energy solutions for business and society overall. Climate change won’t be solved without a concerted effort.”

Further details of Hyundai’s hydrogen plans are expected later today.

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