"Isn't This Worth Buying?"... The Nexo Hydrogen Car Drives 720km and Leaves Only Water [Test Drive]

Hyundai's The All-New Nexo
Unique Hydrogen Electric Vehicle Design Draws Attention
Starting at 39 Million KRW with Subsidies

Hyundai Motor Company, which is deeply committed to hydrogen, has launched its hydrogen electric vehicle, the All-New Nexo (hereafter referred to as Nexo). This is the second-generation fully revamped model, arriving seven years after its initial release in 2018. Alongside its futuristic design, it incorporates a variety of new features unique to hydrogen electric vehicles. There is considerable interest in whether it will continue the legacy of its predecessor, which was known as the "world's best-selling hydrogen car." On June 19, I drove the Nexo for about 100 kilometers from Magok in Seoul to Jung-gu in Incheon.

The All-New Nexo. Hyundai Motor Company

If you are considering purchasing an eco-friendly vehicle for the first time, there are questions that may make you hesitate. You might wonder, "Will charging be inconvenient?" "Will it be expensive?" or "Will it be sufficient for commuting or family use?"

Nexo has evolved by starting from these consumer concerns and addressing each one in a practical way. After driving this car, I was left with the impression that "a hydrogen car can indeed be a vehicle worth buying."

First, its exterior, reminiscent of a well-made plastic model kit, catches the eye. Reflecting Hyundai's new design language, "Art of Steel," it appears solid and leaves a strong impression. The square pixel lamps on the front and the bumper design centered on straight lines give the sense that this is a car ahead of its time.

Once inside, it feels as luxurious as any high-end car. Design elements inspired by sofas and other furniture create a comfortable, home-like atmosphere. The digital side mirrors (DSM), rather than traditional mirrors, felt unfamiliar at first, but I quickly adapted. The monitor displaying the side view is mounted on the side of the crash pad in front of the driver's seat, making it easy to see at a glance.

The All-New Nexo Interior. Hyundai Motor Company

Nexo has an overall length of 4,750mm and a wheelbase of 2,790mm, providing an interior space comparable to a mid-size SUV. The second-row legroom is generous, and the trunk offers 510 liters of space (expanding to 1,630 liters with the second row folded), making it sufficient for a stroller or camping equipment.

The floor is flat, and the door opening angle has been increased by more than 10 degrees to 80 degrees, making it easy for both children and adults to get in and out. It seemed perfectly suited as a family car.

When you start the engine and press the accelerator pedal, the car moves forward quietly. There is none of the characteristic noise of internal combustion or electric vehicles. By changing the internal structure of the muffler and adding interior pads, the high-frequency noise during acceleration has been significantly reduced compared to the first generation.

Nexo is equipped with a 150kW electric motor, and the output of its hydrogen fuel cell stack?the heart of a hydrogen electric vehicle?has been increased to 94kW, while the high-voltage battery output has been raised to 80kW. With this powerful performance, it can accelerate from a standstill to 100km/h in just 7.8 seconds. Even during high-speed driving, the pedal response was immediate and direct, allowing for a smooth and satisfying driving experience with no sense of sluggishness.

Another strong point of Nexo is its "convenience." Although it is a hydrogen electric vehicle, the burden of hydrogen refueling has been greatly reduced. With just a five-minute charge, it can travel more than 720 kilometers. It is more than adequate for daily commuting as well as weekend family trips.

The All-New Nexo. Hyundai Motor Company

If you are concerned about refueling, the "Route Planner" feature, which provides real-time information on 214 hydrogen stations nationwide, is worth noting. It tells you in real time whether you can reach your destination with your current fuel level, the locations of stations along your route, the operating hours of each station, whether refueling is available, and even the current wait times.

It also alleviates concerns about how to manage the fuel cell, which generates electricity from hydrogen and oxygen. Unlike the first-generation Nexo, which performed cold starts and residual water discharge every time the car was started, the second generation introduces a "Wake-up Function."

Even while parked, the car periodically measures the surrounding temperature and, if necessary, activates the heater or discharges water in a limited way. This reduces the frequency of cold starts and residual water discharge by more than 90% each, helping to prevent fuel cell performance degradation in winter.

The All New Nexo. Photo by Oh Hyungil

After completing the 100-kilometer drive, it was especially appealing to realize that the only thing I emitted was "water." It felt refreshing to know that I could help the planet while using my car. It was a new experience to be able to tell my children, "This car doesn't emit any harmful smoke."

However, the price is a burden. The Exclusive trim is priced at 76,440,000 KRW, the Exclusive Special at 79,280,000 KRW, and the Prestige at 83,450,000 KRW. With government and local subsidies, however, the actual purchase price can be reduced to the 39 million KRW range. With growing interest in eco-friendly vehicles, this is a car worth considering even without a grand commitment to the next generation. Of course, this is especially true if there is a hydrogen refueling station within your daily range.