Hyundai’s new Initium concept shows more than just the direction the Korean carmaker plans to take with its hydrogen fuel-cell technology. It also reveals the brand’s new “Art of Steel” design language.
The Hyundai Initium signals the direction the automaker will take with a new hydrogen flagship.
With the debut of its new Initium concept, Hyundai underscores its ongoing commitment to hydrogen fuel-cell technology.
Unveiled at the automaker’s Motorstudio Goyang in Seoul, the prototype is meant to show off the advantages of hydrogen power, starting with its ability to operate without producing harmful emissions. Initium can deliver more than 400 miles before needing to fill up again – a process that, the automaker stressed, can be completed as quickly as it normally takes to refuel a gas-powered vehicle.
The prototype also serves as a first-time showing of Hyundai’s new “Art of Steel” design language which “pushed the formability of steel to the extreme to create a form of art,” said SangYup Lee, Executive Vice President and Head of Hyundai and Genesis Global Design.
A long-term commitment
Hyundai currently sells one fuel-cell vehicle, the Nexo.
Hydrogen fuel-cells combine the lightweight gas with oxygen from the atmosphere to produce a stream of current – the exhaust made up solely of water vapor.
Hyundai is one of a handful of automakers currently marketing hydrogen-powered vehicles. But it also is exploring other applications, such as rail, shipping and aircraft, through its HTWO business unit.
“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,” said Jaehoon Chang, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company, in a statement.
Expanding the fuel-cell line-up
In Latin, Initium translates into “first,” or “beginning.”
Hyundai currently offers one fuel-cell vehicle, the Nexo SUV, but it has hinted that it may expand its line-up. While it is not confirming specific plans for Initium – Latin for “first,” or “beginning” – it is believed to be a preview of what might come next.
In concept form, Initium stores enough hydrogen to handle 650 kilometers, or roughly 400 miles, before needing to refuel. The energy produced by its fuel-cell stack would deliver a maximum motor output of 150 kW, or just over 201 horsepower. Today’s Hyundai Nexo, by comparison, produces a peak 161 hp through a single electric motor mounted on the front axle. Range is an EPA-estimated 380 miles.
Initium can race from 0-60 in about 8.0 seconds, Hyundai claims. That’s not the mark of a sports car, but it cuts almost a half-second off launch times for the Nexo.
Hyundai has yet to offer more complete details such as whether Initium is also a single-motor system or provides all-wheel-drive, among other things.
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The Art of Steel
Hyundai Initium introduces the new “Art of Steel” design language.
There are some clear similarities between the Initium fuel-cell concept and Hyundai’s all-electric Ioniq family. All of its alternative-powered vehicles put a premium on energy-saving aerodynamics, while also using low rolling resistance tires. The lights also carry over the pixelated design of the Ioniq line.
But there are some notable differences, as well. Initium’s overall look is much more blocky and rugged than the Ioniq 5 SUV and, in particular, the sleek Ioniq 6 coupe-like sedan. There are two sharp accent lines running virtually the entire length of the concept vehicle, with a thick C-pillar running at a 45-degree angle. But the large “greenhouse” helps keep Initium from looking too heavy.
“With the armored design bumper invoking a solid hydrogen tank and rear steel parts exposed instead of a muffler, we made the car look strong and rugged,” Lee said du
ring a preview in Seoul.
What else we know
The larger fuel-cell system in the Hyundai Initium boosts output to 201 hp.
We’ll have to wait to get a look at the hydrogen concept’s interior but it’s expected to boast a high-tech appearance with large digital gauge and infotainment screens.
There will be plenty of high-tech features including a highway driving assist system and an in-vehicle driver monitoring camera. Expect plenty of advanced driver assistance systems, as well.
“To ensure ample safety for passengers in the event of a collision,” Hyundai said in a statement,” the vehicle is reinforced with a multi-skeleton structure at the front, as well as a side body structure, and incorporates nine airbags, ensuring world-class collision safety performance.
Production plans
Look for the Initium concept to make its U.S. debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November, while it also will be spotlighted in China at the Guangzhou Motor Show.
Hyundai isn’t talking specific production details but it’s expected to launch a production version in the coming year, that version of Initium set to become the automaker’s hydrogen flagship.
As for the U.S., it’s unclear whether we’ll see Hyundai expand its line-up beyond a single product considering the limited demand for hydrogen vehicles. The key problem is a lack of a viable fueling infrastructure, with less than 100 public stations across the country. It didn’t help that Shell shut down its public network earlier this year.
Still, Hyundai says it remains committed to the technology – and even plans to help build up that infrastructure. A measure of its commitment came in September when the automaker announced plans to partner with General Motors on the development of fuel-cell technology.
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