Hyundai revealed a new hydrogen fuel cell concept vehicle known as the Initium on Friday, part of its push for greater hydrogen adoption.
The Initium’s final form will begin production in the first half of 2025, and will be sold in Australia as a replacement for the Hyundai Nexo.
According to Hyundai: “The concept encapsulates the company’s 27 years of hydrogen technology development and reflects its clear commitment to achieving a sustainable hydrogen society.”
The Initium can drive more than 650 km on a single charge, and has a hydrogen battery of 150 kW. Hydrogen fuel cells combine hydrogen with oxygen to produce electricity, and emit water vapour.
The car will be showcased at the L.A. Auto Show and Auto Guangzhou later this month.
Hyundai plans to reach carbon neutrality by 2050. “Hydrogen energy will play a prominent role in achieving those objectives,” according to the company.
“Clean hydrogen should be for everyone, powering everything, and available everywhere,” Hyundai Motor Company President and CEO Jay Chang said in January.
Hyundai introduced its first hydrogen fuel cell car in 2018. The company launched its HTWO Grid this year, which will produce, store, and transport hydrogen fuel for its vehicles.
The only two hydrogen vehicles available in Australia are the Hyundai Nexo and the Toyota Mirai.
In 2024’s second quarter, just five hydrogen fuel cell vehicles were sold in Australia. Around 25,000 battery-powered cars and 46,000 hybrids were sold during the same period.
14,000 hydrogen vehicles were sold globally in 2023.
Hydrogen refuelling stations are rare in Australia, with the first station opening to the public in 2021. There are now 12 nationwide.
The Queensland and Australian Capital Territory governments are trialing hydrogen vehicles with small fleets of five and twenty, respectively.