The new Hyundai Nexo 2019 SUV has been unveiled and environment-conscious drivers and car owners are celebrating. After all, it has the looks and the functionalities that blur the lines between traditional and environment-friendly vehicles.
During the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2018 held in Las Vegas, Hyundai unveiled its latest commercial fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV), with water as its only emission. It is one of the 4th generation fuel-cell technology vehicle that resulted from two decades of development.
The Hyundai Nexo is set to replace the current Tucson Fuel Cell (or ix35 as it is known in some markets) with many improvements.
What makes it better than its predecessors or that of the competition?
Fuel Cell Performance
The Nexo will have a range of 370 miles on a single tank of compressed hydrogen gas. It will also output 160bhp that, compared to the iX35 Fuel Cell, is a 20-percent boost. It is rated at 60 combined MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent).
The Nexo goes from 0 to 60mph in 9.5 seconds, 3 seconds faster than from its predecessor’s 12.5-second time. The 0-30mph sprint of this fuel cell is something anyone would feel as effective and punchy.
Fueling Time
At a hydrogen fueling stations using pressures of 10,000 psi (which is the standard now) the Hyundai Nexo will take approximately 5 minutes to refuel.
Power Boost
The reason that the 0 to 60mph time is reduced is because of a boost in power from 100kW/300Nm to 120kW/394Nm. Combined with better fuel-cell technology, the Hyundai Nexo fuel cell vehicle can definitely hold its own against any battery-electric vehicle currently on the market.
Weather-proofing
One of the problems that fuel-cell-powered vehicles face is extreme weather, causing some of them to have trouble starting at certain temperatures. But Hyundai made sure this will not be a problem.
The Nexo can start within 30 seconds of exposure to temperatures of -20 degrees Fahrenheit. When exposed to temperatures that exceed 104 degrees Fahrenheit, the vehicle has the ability to cool itself and continue moving onwards.
Lane-Keep Assist
This particular feature is making a debut in this vehicle model. What it does is adjust the steering input as you travel from 0 to 90 mph to ensure that the vehicle stays in its lane.
Highway Driving Assist
This alters speed in specific situations safely and autonomously. It uses map data and sensors to determine the best speed for specific driving situations, ensuring a driver’s and other motorists’ safety.
Blind-Spot View Monitor
A first in the industry, the Hyundai Nexo fuel cell vehicle will come with a wide-angle surround-view camera located on both sides of the SUV where views from rear and side cameras will be projected when switching lanes. This provides drivers a view of areas of a vehicle that is usually impossible to see.
Other features include remote smart parking assist, a three-tank setup, and loads of other driver assistance tech (see the 1st video link below for details). But wait, there’s more. The Nexo can also serve as a mobile power plant and power your camper if need be.
The Hyundai Nexo is a vehicle that many say are result of the company brainstorming solutions for the usual fuel-cell tech objections and making an SUV out of them. “Together for a better future,” is Hyundai’s new vision and the Nexo is a result of putting that vision into action.
The Hyundai Nexo 2019 fuel cell is expected to be rolled out commercially in late 2018.
References
https://www.hyundaiusa.com/nexo/index.aspx
https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/hyundai-nexo-2018-fuel-cell-suv-details-announced-66291
https://www.facebook.com/Hyundai/videos/10155348798603753/
http://hydrogeneurope.eu/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/NEXO-Briefing-Pack-English.pdf