Hyundai’s Hydrogen Future Will Look Like An Attractive Pontiac Aztek – Carbuzz

Hyundai’s Hydrogen Future Will Look Like An Attractive Pontiac Aztek – Carbuzz

The Tucson and its signature ‘Parametric Hidden Lights’ moved Hyundai design forward in a big way, creating a much more premium look and feel for the SUV. But the fourth-generation NX4 Tucson was revealed four years ago, and the Seoul-based automaker recognizes that it’s time to take another step forward, both in styling and innovation. A hydrogen-powered Tucson or Santa Fe has existed for years, but those were adapted versions of SUVs that were never really meant to be FCEVs in the first place. This time, Hyundai is revealing an all-new concept vehicle that heralds a future design direction that is not too distant. In fact, the new INITIUM concept (Latin for ‘beginning’ or ‘first’) previews a production hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle “coming in the first half of 2025.”

Coming To LA This Year

The public debut of the new Initium concept takes place at the 22nd China (Guangzhou) International Automobile Exhibition (15-24 November), but another example will also appear at the LA Auto Show (November 22-December 1) almost concurrently. This indicates we’re looking at a global model that will be sold in the East, West, and Europe, and Hyundai will be hoping that you like the way it looks. The new design language is called ‘Art of Steel‘ and is meant to “embody the character” of HTWO, Hyundai’s dedicated hydrogen brand. This means the styling will be reserved for FCEVs, and there’s no denying the N Vision 74‘s influence in the headlights and hoodline.

The name of the design language references Hyundai’s work in finding new ways to form steel, while the HTWO graphic (inspired by the ‘+’ symbol) references the hydrogen powertrain. But now it’s time to address the elephant in the room. Particularly in the color shown in these images, the rear end looks a lot like the Pontiac Aztek, albeit with a lot more coherence and funkiness. On balance, we like that a hydrogen car, an electric Ioniq car, and a gasoline combustion car will all have their own distinct flavor without losing their Hyundai identity, and we look forward to seeing how else this new styling language will be interpreted. First, Hyundai needs to convince people of its fuel cell’s value.

Remarkable Range To End Range Anxiety

The concept is focused on providing a spacious cabin and voluminous cargo capacity, unique convenience and safety features “distinctive to hydrogen cars,” and outstanding driving range with strong performance. Capacities were not revealed, nor was the chassis layout, but Hyundai says that a combination of large fuel tanks and aerodynamic wheels wrapped in low-resistance tires work together for a (targeted) driving range of more than 400 miles between refueling (EPA figures may be a little more conservative when the final product arrives). Acceleration figures were also not revealed, but the automaker claims that its advanced technology allows for an electric motor output of up to 150 kW (201 horsepower). Presumably, more than one will be fitted.

Those hydrogen-specific features? They include an FCEV-specific route planner that helps users plan an optimal route and the electricity produced by the car can also be used in Vehicle-to-Load scenarios, with the outdoor terminal specifically designed to connect directly to a standard 220V household socket. There’s also a “multi-skeleton structure” in the front, a side body structure, and nine airbags for peace of mind. We hope to learn more – and get a view of the interior – next month.

Hyundai's Hydrogen Future Will Look Like An Attractive Pontiac Aztek - Carbuzz - Hydrogen Central (hydrogen-central.com)

Hyundai's Hydrogen Future Will Look Like An Attractive Pontiac Aztek - Carbuzz - Hydrogen Central