Hyundai Initium Concept: Hyundai’s vision for its next-generation hydrogen car

Unlike fully-electric vehicles, there are very few hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV) on the world’s roads today. Examples include the Toyota Mirai, Hyundai Nexo, and the now discontinued Honda Clarity. We also recently got to sample a hydrogen-powered Toyota Corolla Cross with an internal combustion engine. 

With that, Hyundai is strengthening its commitment to hydrogen-powered mobility with the unveiling of the Initium Concept which gives us a preview of the brand’s plans for its next hydrogen FCEV, and also showcases its new Art of Steel design language.

Hyundai says that the new design language embodies the character of HTWO, the company’s dedicated hydrogen value chain business brand which was launched at the CES 2024. 

Art of Steel integrates the HTWO ‘+’ symbol on the Initium concept’s signature lighting elements, giving it a distinct look. Also noticeable is the four-dot Hyundai logo which stands for “H” in morse code.

A roof rack adds practicality, and there’s large 21-inch wheels which are designed to complement the concept’s rugged and muscular outdoor lifestyle-oriented appearance which Hyundai also says seamlessly integrates city living functionality. That’s not all, those wheels are aerodynamically designed to reduce drag, and are wrapped in low rolling resistance tires.

There are no super specific details yet regarding its FCEV powertrain but Hyundai says that driving range is targeted at around 650 kilometers on a single tank of hydrogen, and the electric motor should produce an output of 204 horsepower.

Hyundai plans to put the Initium concept’s production version out by the first half of next year. In the meantime, the company plans to showcase it at the upcoming 2024 Los Angeles Auto Show and Auto Guangzhou 2024, both happening later this month.