Hyundai Nexo 2025: In an automotive landscape increasingly dominated by battery electric vehicles, Hyundai has made a bold statement about its continued commitment to hydrogen fuel cell technology with the unveiling of the second-generation Nexo. Revealed at the Seoul Mobility Show in April 2025, the all-new Nexo represents a significant evolution of Hyundai’s hydrogen vision, addressing many of the criticisms leveled at its predecessor while showcasing the potential advantages of fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) in an increasingly diverse propulsion landscape.
A Fresh Design Direction
The 2025 Nexo introduces Hyundai’s new “Art of Steel” design language, representing a dramatic departure from its predecessor’s styling. Vastly different than its aging predecessor, the niche model gets a rugged exterior makeover and a far nicer cabin. The vehicle’s overall aesthetic presents a boxy, distinctive silhouette that prioritizes purpose and character over conventional sleekness.
This boxy, new look Nexo with its ‘Art of Steel’ design language was previewed by the Initium concept car towards the end of 2024, and it hasn’t actually changed much in its transformation to a proper production car. The design is refreshingly confident, with pronounced angles and distinctive lighting signatures that help it stand out in an increasingly homogeneous crossover market.
We’re still thinking of a futuristic Pontiac Aztek when looking at the rear, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. We dig the boxy shape and four-point lights front and rear. This unconventional styling approach may not appeal to everyone, but it gives the Nexo a distinctive presence that aligns with its pioneering technology.
Dimensional Changes and Practical Improvements
The new Nexo has grown in nearly every dimension compared to its predecessor. Stretching at 187 inches (4750 millimeters), the new Nexo is about 3.1 inches (78 millimeters) longer than its predecessor but has an identical wheelbase at 109.8 inches (2790 millimeters). At 73.4 inches (1865 millimeters) wide, the all-new body is 0.2 inches (5 millimeters) wider than the first generation.
It’s longer, wider and taller for starters meaning there’s more space inside. These dimensional increases translate to a more spacious cabin, particularly benefiting rear passengers who now enjoy increased headroom, shoulder room, and a wider door opening aperture for easier ingress and egress.
Enhanced Power and Performance
The 2025 Nexo delivers a significant improvement in performance over the outgoing model, addressing one of the key criticisms of the first-generation vehicle. The FCEV’s powertrain got significant upgrades over the outgoing model. The hydrogen fuel stack now delivers a maximum power of 110 kilowatts, a 16% increase compared to the old Nexo, while the new electric motor can deliver up to 150 kW (201 horsepower). The old Nexo had a 120 kW (161 hp) motor.
While the previous Nexo had to make do with 181 horsepower, its replacement packs a stout 255 hp. This substantial power increase has resulted in markedly improved acceleration. The significant bump in total system output has reduced the sprint time to 62 mph (100 km/h) from 9.2 seconds to 7.8 seconds. Flat out, it’ll do 111 mph (179 km/h), not that there will be too many owners hitting those kinds of speeds in a fuel cell crossover.
The onboard battery system has also seen significant improvements. The onboard high-voltage battery can now hold up to 2.64 kilowatt-hours of energy and provide up to 80 kW of power, whereas the old model had a capacity of 1.56 kWh and could deliver just 40 kW of power. This enhanced battery capacity provides better power delivery and improved system efficiency.
Extended Range and Improved Efficiency
Perhaps the most crucial improvement in the new Nexo is its extended range, a critical factor for any alternative fuel vehicle. Hyundai also upgraded the hydrogen tank, which can now store slightly more, at 6.69 kilograms (instead of 6.33 kilograms). The hydrogen tanks—all three of them—got a bump in capacity and can now store a maximum of 6.69 kilograms of hydrogen, while the maximum volume is 162.2 liters. The outgoing Nexo had a tank capacity of 156.6 liters and 6.33 kilograms, respectively.
This increased storage capacity, combined with improved system efficiency, delivers impressive range figures. According to Hyundai, the new Nexo can drive over 435 miles (700 km) on a full tank of hydrogen. That figure was produced using the Korean Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy standard. By comparison, the outgoing model had a maximum EPA range of 380 miles (611 km) on a full tank.
A key advantage of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles over battery electric alternatives remains the refueling time. Provided you can find a hydrogen station, it takes five minutes to refuel the tank, so about as much as juicing up a gasoline car. This rapid refueling capability continues to be one of the strongest arguments in favor of hydrogen technology for those who require minimal downtime.
Premium Interior with Advanced Technology
The interior of the 2025 Nexo has been completely redesigned, offering a more premium and technologically advanced environment. Save for the dual-screen setup with 12.3-inch screen displays, the interior has little in common with the old Nexo.
Inside, the new Nexo can seat five people. Up front, there’s a pair of curved 12.3-inch displays running Hyundai’s latest Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) system—the same that’s on the 2025 Ioniq 5. It supports over-the-air (OTA) software updates and offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, as well as smart navigation that shows real-time information about en-route hydrogen fueling stations.
Hyundai is giving the new Nexo a 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, a 12-inch head-up display, and nicer front seats with leg rests. Passengers in the back can relax on ventilated seats with a higher reclining angle than before. These comfort enhancements help position the Nexo as a premium offering rather than merely a technological showcase.
One particularly noteworthy feature is the introduction of vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability, a first for a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. One very cool feature of the new Nexo is its vehicle-to-load capability. That’s something we’ve become accustomed to with Hyundai’s EVs, but in the case of the Nexo, things are a little different. There’s a household socket inside the car to power things like laptops or other devices, but there’s also an outlet outside. This essentially transforms the car into a hydrogen-powered generator that doesn’t emit any nasty gasses when it’s running. This capability could prove particularly valuable during power outages or for outdoor activities where clean, quiet power generation is needed.
The Persistent Hydrogen Infrastructure Challenge
Despite the impressive technological advances showcased in the new Nexo, Hyundai still faces the significant challenge of limited hydrogen infrastructure. This all sounds really good. It means that Hyundai’s hydrogen-powered crossover could be used as a daily driver and even on road trips. But the biggest hurdle remains the fueling infrastructure.
In reality, California—the biggest market for FCEVs in the world—has taught us that the fueling infrastructure is this technology’s Achilles’ heel. If you don’t have a place to top-up, you’re just the owner of a paperweight. That’s the problem with hydrogen, as there are barely a handful of stations. And fueling up is quite expensive to boot.
To partially address this concern, Hyundai has equipped the Nexo with advanced navigation features. An onboard FCEV route planner should help you to find a hydrogen filling station mid-journey. Well, hopefully. The infrastructure isn’t exactly flourishing right now. This integration of hydrogen station information into the navigation system represents a practical approach to helping drivers manage the current limitations of the hydrogen infrastructure.
Market Prospects and Availability
The first-generation Nexo was a low-volume vehicle, primarily available in select markets with some hydrogen infrastructure. The previous generation Nexo was a low-volume product at best, with roughly 4,000 sales worldwide in 2024 and another 4,000 in 2023. It debuted in 2018, and now, Hyundai reckons it’s time for an all-new model.
For the second generation, Hyundai has ambitious plans for expanded availability. The second-generation Hyundai Nexo will go on sale globally later this year. Although Hyundai says the new Nexo is a global model, we wouldn’t count on seeing the second generation in the United States. Even if it gets a US visa, don’t be too surprised if it’ll be limited to California like its predecessor. This gradual approach reflects the reality of the current hydrogen infrastructure limitations.
Hyundai’s Broader Hydrogen Strategy
The introduction of the second-generation Nexo underscores Hyundai’s continued commitment to hydrogen technology as part of its diversified approach to sustainable mobility. While many manufacturers have focused exclusively on battery electric vehicles, Hyundai maintains that different propulsion technologies have complementary roles to play in the transition away from fossil fuels.
The company views hydrogen particularly well-suited for larger vehicles and those requiring long range with minimal refueling time. Hyundai has already applied this thinking to commercial vehicles with its XCIENT Fuel Cell heavy-duty truck, which has been deployed in real-world fleets in Switzerland, Korea, and New Zealand.
Conclusion: A Bold Statement in an Uncertain Landscape
The 2025 Hyundai Nexo represents a significant leap forward for hydrogen fuel cell technology in passenger vehicles. With its distinctive design, improved performance, extended range, and premium features, it addresses many of the criticisms leveled at its predecessor and hydrogen vehicles in general.
The launch marks a significant milestone in hydrogen mobility,” says Hyundai itself. This statement reflects the company’s continued belief in the potential of hydrogen technology, despite the challenges it faces.
While infrastructure limitations remain a significant hurdle, Hyundai’s willingness to invest in a second-generation Nexo demonstrates its long-term commitment to hydrogen as part of a diverse approach to sustainable mobility. As governments and energy companies around the world increase investment in hydrogen production and distribution, vehicles like the Nexo stand ready to capitalize on improved infrastructure.
For now, the 2025 Nexo remains a niche product, primarily appealing to early adopters and those with reliable access to hydrogen refueling. However, its technological advancements and improved user experience represent important steps toward making hydrogen fuel cell vehicles a more viable option for mainstream consumers in the future.