CROSSOVER DELIVERS COMPLETE PACKAGE
Fuel-cell powered vehicles Coming of age with recent improvements to technology
WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA. The past decade has seen fuel-cell powered vehicles 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’s 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 that it takes as little as five minutes to refuel its three under-floor 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 kilometres underscores its ability to complete on a level footing while leaving zero local emissions in its wake.
Another distinct plus is that the Nexo will start in a good oldfashioned 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 world-class 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 that it feels much punchier, especially through the mid-range. It also offers Eco and Normal modes.
Aside from its perky performance, the Nexo also returns outstanding fuel efficiency. The 80-km test drive saw the fuel cell return a mile-per-gallon equivalent of 89 MPGe. That equates to 2.64 L/100 km, which is a superb number by any standard.
A big part of the efficiency boils down to regenerative braking. Nexo has two paddles that give access to four levels of regen. As with the Kona Electric, the regen ranges from basically nothing to a healthy dose.
The nit is the top level of regen doesn’t provide the same onepedal-drive as the EV. In this regard, Nexo mirrors the sort of engine braking experienced in a conventional crossover.
Dynamically, Nexo is up to snuff. In spite of its 1,867-kilogram curb weight, it rides and drives like any other crossover. The suspension is tuned to favour ride more than outright handling, but even when pushed through a twisty canyon road, it held the desired line without sliding into understeer. The P245/45R19 tires hauled the nose in with a reassuring grip. Ditto the steering. It was a tad light, but it has decent oncentre feel and a linear response when turned into a corner. In this regard, it’s a match for any other crossover.
The steering has a party trick of its own, because it’s an integral part of the Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA). This feature allows the Nexo to park autonomously in both parallel and perpendicular spots without the driver having to be in the vehicle. Push a button on the key fob and Nexo parks with the driver looking on.
The cabin is a slick affair that’s dominated by a pair of large screens. The first sits behind the steering wheel and provides all the pertinent information on the fuel cell. To the right is the infotainment touch screen. It supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as hosting the over-sized mapping and yet more fuel-cell information. The push-button shifter supports the high-tech theme.
As for utility, the back seat has plenty of room for two adults, and behind them there is 839 L of cargo space. Folding the seats down opens up 1,600 L.
As a package, the Hyundai Nexo is complete. It has outstanding fuel efficiency, the right driving range with a short refuelling time and a happy demeanour that sees it handle a fast-moving highway as well as it does an urban environment. And it does all this while leaving zero local emissions.
The 2019 Hyundai Nexo will arrive in Canada late this year or early next. Sadly, the allotment will be limited and nearly all will go to British Columbia or Quebec because of the abysmal refuelling infrastructure in other parts of the country.
Pricing will be announced closer to launch.