Hyundai Motor bets on hydrogen fuel cell for new vehicle Nexo
LAS VEGAS — Hyundai unveiled Monday a hydrogen fuel-cell powered vehicle aimed at showcasing its newest technologies, bucking the all-electric trend of most rival automakers.
The South Korean manufacturer used the 2018 Consumer Electronics Show to debut its Nexo, a sport utility vehicle that uses voice commands, artificial intelligence and can be transformed into an autonomous car.
“We call this the next future utility vehicles,” said Hyundai vice-president Ki-Sang Lee.
Hyundai said it plans to sell the Nexo in California later this year, in a bet on hydrogen even as many rivals turn to battery power.
The company said it resolved a number of issues in developing the Nexo, including starts in extreme cold weather and extending the range to nearly 600 kilometers (375 miles).
While a handful of companies have showcased fuel-cell technology, obstacles include the lack of hydrogen stations and a low ratio of energy efficiency in producing fuel.
“We all understand that technological challenges and innovations are a never- ending process that will continue until we realize a mobile society of maximum convenience, zero accidents and no emissions,” Vice-Chairman Woong-chul Yang.
To promote its efforts in self-driving technology, Hyundai has formed a partnership with Silicon Valley start-up Aurora Innovation, headed by former Google car executive Chris Urmson, who appeared at the media event. —