Hyundai has today unveiled the Initium hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle concept in South Korea. It previews a new production hydrogen-powered vehicle that Hyundai will unveil in the first half of next year.
Apparently the name is Latin meaning ‘beginning’ or ‘first’, hinting at Hyundai’s status as a hydrogen energy pioneer. The concept encapsulates the company’s 27 years of hydrogen technology development.
“Hyundai Motor’s clear, unwavering commitment to hydrogen over the past 27 years is rooted in our belief in its potential as a clean, accessible and therefore fair energy source for everyone,” said Jaehoon Chang, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company. “We are dedicated to pioneering a future where hydrogen is used by everyone, in everything, and everywhere. We invite you to join us on this journey.”
The Initium also marks the debut of Hyundai Motor’s new design language ‘Art of Steel’.
Hyundai’s design guru SangYup Lee said; “Our challenge began from the manufacturing stage, where we pushed the formability of steel to the extreme to create a form of art. With Initium, we’ve crafted a more SUV-like design that is both solid and safe, reflecting our dedication to our customers through ‘customer-centric design’.”
Apparently Initium’s SUV-like aesthetic “seamlessly integrates city living functionality with outdoor adventure capability with its bold lines and solid structure, balancing sturdiness and sophistication”.
The development of the concept is said to have focused on superior driving range and enhanced performance coupled with a spacious interior and luggage area.
The range of the Initium is said to be more than 650km between fills. Hyundai says by further developing its fuel cell technology, the company has increased the output of the stack and enhanced battery capacity, allowing for an electric motor output of up to 150kW.
The Initium includes a FCEV-specific route planner to address the issue of refueling infrastructure. “With this feature, users can easily plot an optimal route, finding charging stations along the way without having to access a separate app or make a phone call. Users can check the location accessibility and operating status of an identified charging station, as well as the number of waiting vehicles and therefore the possibility of charging,” says Hyundai.
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