Nexo drives segment to the next level
Hyundai’s capable crossover demonstrates why hydrogen-fuel-cell vehicles are set to take over
The past decade has seen fuel-cell-powered vehicle finally come of age. The early examples were plagued with problems, not the least of which was the ability to start and function in cold weather. Then there’s the whole refuelling infrastructure issue, but as the technology is proving viable, that should change with time. As a result, the fuel cell is about to become the long-term solution.
The current crop of electric vehicles relies solely on a battery to supply the energy needed to power the vehicle. Range has now been stretched to the point where range anxiety is a thing of the past, as is demonstrated by the Hyundai Kona Electric and its 415-kilometre range. The hang-up, however, remains the “refuelling” time. It is still too long to compete with a gasoline-powered vehicle or gas-based hybrid. But the Hyundai Nexo fuel-cell crossover is set to eliminate the negatives.
One of its biggest pluses, when compared to a conventional battery-electric vehicle, is it takes as little as five minutes to refuel its three underfloor hydrogen tanks. This makes its top-up time comparable to that of gasoline-powered rig. Of course, the fact the Nexo has a driving range of 600 km underscores its ability to complete on a level footing while leaving zero local emissions in its wake.
Another distinct plus is the Nexo will start in a good old-fashioned Canadian winter. In the past, cold weather was the enemy and a huge drawback. The Nexo’s fuel-cell stack starts within 30 seconds at temperatures of -29 C, and it will start at temperatures well below that, it just takes a little longer. This is worldclass fuel-cell performance and one of the key reasons the Nexo is such an intriguing alternative.
The fuel cell is joined by a 1.56-kilowatt/hour lithium-ion battery, which improves output and provides a seamless flow of power. Minus the battery, it takes the fuel cell about a second to go from idle to full power, which would make for a somewhat laggy driving experience. The battery covers the intervening period to provide an instantaneous response to accelerator input.
If you think the Nexo is destined to be a boring drive, you’d be dead wrong. The fuel cell and battery work with an electric motor that twists out 161 horsepower and 291 pound-feet of torque. This is enough to deliver a spirited drive; the clock says the Nexo canters to 100 km/h in about 10 seconds. The reality is it feels much punchier, especially through the mid-range. It also offers Eco and Normal modes.