This week Hyundai New Zealand’s first hydrogen powered SUV, NEXO, made its driving debut on one of the most breathtaking roads in New Zealand, Te Anau to Milford Sound, a fitting choice for the zero-emission vehicle.
NEXO’s fuel cell electric powertrain offers the latest in fuel cell electric vehicle technology, with increased performance over its ix35 Fuel Cell predecessor. An on-board electric motor produces 120kW and a torque of 395 Nm, drawing power from an under-bonnet fuel cell stack, which combines oxygen from the surrounding air with hydrogen from NEXO’s high-pressure storage tanks. The result is electricity to power the motor and charge the battery, and water vapour, which harmlessly exits through the exhaust. With full tanks of hydrogen on board, NEXO is capable of travelling 605km (WLTP), before being able to refuel in under six minutes.
Andy Sinclair, General Manager, Hyundai New Zealand, said: “NEXO is an exceptional by-product of Hyundai’s investment in Fuel Cell technology. It’s an advanced technological vehicle with only clean emissions, and provides us with another sustainable SUV to add to our future EV line up. Already we have seen much interest in NEXO since we revealed it in June.”
“The exact date for NEXO going to market in New Zealand ultimately depends on New Zealand’s ability to provide the infrastructure for the hydrogen fuelling stations. We are taking expressions of interest from commercial businesses that are investing in their own hydrogen infrastructure and who would like to be an early adopter of this technology.
“Hydrogen energy is the key to building a more sustainable future. We were one of the founding members and the first automotive manufacturer to join the NZ Hydrogen Association in 2018.”
Sinclair adds: “As well as pioneering future mobility, Hyundai’s cars are also among the safest. The 5-star Euro NCAP rating confirms Hyundai’s commitment to provide customers and other road users with the highest level of safety and innovative mobility solutions.”
NEXO features Hyundai’s Smart Sense safety suite (drive assistance technologies) and other smart tech features in the NEXO include smart parking assist and remote parking assist.
