Hyundai on Thursday supplied a primary have a look at an idea previewing a production-bound hydrogen fuel-cell car due within the first half of 2025.
Referred to as the Intium SUV, the idea is slated to make its formal debut on the 2024 Los Angeles auto present in a couple of weeks’ time, with a simultaneous unveiling on the 2024 Guangzhou auto present in China. Hyundai additionally plans to unveil the production-ready Ioniq 9 battery-electric SUV in L.A.
Hyundai Initium idea
The Intium previews the alternative for the Hyundai Nexo, however adopts the boxy, extra rugged design theme Hyundai launched with the current-generation Santa Fe, and which is anticipated to proliferate all through the automaker’s SUV lineup.
Just like the Nexo, the Intium is pushed by an electrical motor that will get its energy from a fuel-cell stack and supplementary battery pack. Right here the motor produces 201 hp, a 50-hp improve over the Nexo, which Hyundai says is made potential by extracting better output from the fuel-cell stack, in addition to rising battery capability. Hyundai additionally quotes a 400-mile vary, though it is unclear what testing cycle that is primarily based on.
Hyundai Initium idea
The Intium title—derived from a Latin phrase which means “starting” or “first”—is supposed to reference Hyundai’s pioneering function in fuel-cell automobiles, first with fuel-cell variations of the Tucson after which with the Nexo, which entered manufacturing in 2018. Extra lately, Hyundai has shifted focus to fuel-cell semi vans. In 2021, the automaker introduced plans to convey a fleet of semis to California for testing, and earlier this 12 months it mentioned gasoline cells as a part of a potential partnership with Basic Motors.
Underdeveloped infrastructure stays one of many greatest obstacles for fuel-cell automobiles. The federal authorities has dedicated $8 billion to regional hydrogen hubs, which intention to scale up manufacturing for transportation makes use of, however lawmakers have questioned whether or not emissions generated by these hubs will cancel out any potential financial savings from displacing fossil fuels.
