The science behind Hyundai’s hydrogen fuel cell push

Hydrogen fuel cell technology appears to be fighting a losing battle when it comes to mainstream adoption, but most brands that have invested in the technology remain committed to finding a way to make the alternative fuel source work. Hyundai is one of the leaders in hydrogen mobility and has invested significant capital and development in the fuel source for multiple applications, including personal mobility. Hyundai began developing hydrogen fuel cell technology in the late 1990s, establishing itself as one of the first automakers to invest in hydrogen mobility.

In addition to passenger cars, Hyundai also expanded hydrogen technology heavy transport before establishing its dedicated hydrogen brand, HTWO, to oversee the entire hydrogen value chain, including production, storage and mobility applications. Hyundai has since developed large-scale hydrogen infrastructure projects in Korea, Europe and North America, with the aim of making hydrogen an accessible clean energy source for all sectors. From 2025, the South Korean brand remains committed to the project, which it presented at the last South Korean economic theory conference.

Hyundai remains committed to hydrogen technology

It made some big promises at a big conference

Hyundai

Hyundai Motor Company attended the 13th World Congress of the Econometric Society at COEX in Seoul to present its long-term vision on hydrogen and the all-new Nexo fuel cell electric vehicle. Hyundai takes this opportunity at this major international event for economic and industry leaders to reinforce the importance of hydrogen in the global energy transition and highlights its leadership through its dedicated hydrogen brand and business platform ‘HTWO’. The company is also showcasing next-generation hydrogen production technologies and pilot projects that demonstrate the purpose of building one sustainable hydrogen ecosystem.

The centerpiece of Hyundai’s exhibition is the redesigned NEXO FCEV, which we got a look at a few months ago. This is one of the first public appearances for the upcoming FCEV. The new generation model features the Art of Steel design philosophy and signature HTWO lights, which combine an aerodynamic shape with high structural strength. The vehicle targets a claimed driving range of more than 435 miles.

For reference, the previous generation Nexo has an estimated range of 380 miles, according to the EPA. It also features advanced safety systems and eco-friendly materials to enhance both occupant protection and environmental sustainability, reinforcing the South Korean brand’s expertise in zero-emission mobility. Visitors to Hyundai’s stand will also experience visual presentations of the Group’s vision for a hydrogen society and the wider industrial applications of hydrogen.

Hyundai’s hydrogen plans for the future

Hyundai

Additional future efforts that Hyundai took to the stage include a biogas-based hydrogen extraction system from the waste-to-hydrogen plant in Chungju and the electrolysis-based hydrogen production facility in Buan. These two innovations illustrate the extensive possibilities for hydrogen production outside the personal mobility sphere. Hyundai also highlights its hydrogen commercial offerings, including the XCIENT Fuel Cell Truck and the Elec City and Universe Fuel Cell buses, which reflect the brand’s progress in building a complete hydrogen mobility ecosystem.

The World Congress of the Econometric Society is held every five years and is the world’s largest academic economics conference. Hyundai’s involvement in hosting the event in Korea demonstrates how its technologies align with global sustainability goals. Through HTWO, Hyundai Motor Group continues to demonstrate its commitment to alternative fuel sources and accelerate the transition to a hydrogen society by covering every stage of the hydrogen value chain, from production and storage to transportation and use. HTWO functions as an open business platform that promotes collaboration, investments and partnerships with global stakeholders, strengthening Hyundai Motor Group’s position as a leading catalyst of the hydrogen economy and a key player in the global effort to achieve carbon neutrality.

How the next generation of Nexo is leading the strategy

Improved performance and refueling times

Hyundai

The upcoming next-generation Nexo introduces some significant changes to make it a more viable everyday option for those still considering hydrogen for personal mobility. The compact crossover still features a single front-mounted permanent magnet motor, generating an impressive 255 horsepower and 291 pound-feet, resulting in a claimed 0 to 60 mph time of 7.8 seconds. Hyundai limits the top speed to 180 km/h.

Performance Specifications

The new Nexo also features a revolutionary PHEV system similar to Honda’s CR-V e:FCEV, but the brand has not released any information about the battery capacity. We do know that the hydrogen tank measures 6.69 kilograms, which is about half a kilo larger than the model it replaces.

Hydrogen is losing the battle against full electrification

The disadvantages of hydrogen are becoming increasingly worse

Hydrogen will eventually be phased out and will be favored over fully electric vehicles as electric cars have become established much stronger infrastructure baseefficiency, costs and involvement of the car manufacturer. This makes them a much more practical and scalable solution for decarbonizing transportation. Battery EVs can plug into a network of charging stations that now number in the tens of thousands across the US, while hydrogen fueling remains almost entirely confined to California, with no realistic path to nationwide rollout due to the high costs of station construction and supply logistics.

From an energy efficiency perspective, electric vehicles have a major advantage as electricity can directly power a car, while hydrogen requires additional energy-intensive steps of production, compression, storage and transportation, wasting more than half of the input energy, making FCEVs inherently less efficient and less energy intensive. more expensive to use. Automakers have recognized this disparity and shifted investments from hydrogen to passenger cars, with brands like Toyota and Hyundai reducing hydrogen supply in the US and expanding EV offerings to meet consumer demand and regulatory targets.

BMW

Battery costs have also fallen dramatically, making electric vehicles increasingly affordable, while hydrogen fuel remains unaffordable. Consumer adoption reflects these trends, as electric vehicle sales continue to grow rapidly every year, even despite the recent decline in demand, while FCEVs remain stuck at a few thousand units in circulation. Public confidence is also tilting towards electric vehicles, with buyers finding them easier to own, charge and maintain compared to niche hydrogen models. Hydrogen’s role in the passenger car market will become virtually irrelevant, leaving fully electric vehicles as the dominant zero-emission solution as grid decarbonization progresses and battery technology continues to improve with longer range and faster charging.

Problems that continue to challenge the hydrogen industry

Hyundai

Hydrogen-powered vehicles still face several notable drawbacks for American consumers, ultimately limiting their viability as an alternative fuel source, especially compared to modern battery electric vehicles. The most critical issue hurting hydrogen FCEV ownership is the lack of refueling infrastructure, as there are currently only a handful of public hydrogen stations operating in California, some of which will close in the coming months due to a notable drop in demand. This also makes the rest of the country completely inaccessible for practical hydrogen use, as the infrastructure shortage stems from the high costs of building and maintaining hydrogen stations. This can typically exceed $2 million per location and requires specialized storage and distribution equipment that is much more complex than EV charging networks.

Hydrogen production also poses challenges, as most hydrogen today comes from the steam-methane reforming of natural gas. This is a process that emits a significant amount of carbon dioxide, undermining the environmental benefits unless the industry scales up green hydrogen made via renewable energy electrolysis, which remains much more expensive. The cost of fuel cell vehicles is another barrier, as models like the Hyundai Nexo command higher purchase prices than comparable electric vehicles, while also facing limited consumer incentives and weak resale values ​​due to niche demand.

Source: The EPA