HYUNDAI MOTOR UNVEILS NEW HYDROGEN-BASED EV CONCEPT ‘INITIUM’

SEOUL, Oct 31 (Bernama-Yonhap) -- Hyundai Motor Co unveiled its latest concept for a passenger hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV), named Initium, on Thursday. The vehicle concept promises an extended driving range and substantial hydrogen fuel storage capacity.

According to Yonhap news agency, Initium represents Hyundai’s vision for the future of passenger FCEVs, aligning with plans for an official release in the first half of next year.

Derived from the Latin word for ‘beginning,’ Initium symbolises Hyundai's pioneering role in advancing a hydrogen-based society.

During a media event in Goyang, north of Seoul, Hyundai Motor President and CEO Chang Jae Hoon emphasised that hydrogen is an energy source for future generations, accessible to all.

“Hyundai’s steadfast commitment to hydrogen over the past 27 years stems from a strong belief in its value,” Chang said.

According to Hyundai, Initium’s design embodies both strength and resilience, showcasing the aesthetic qualities of steel while highlighting the purity of hydrogen.

The model also features a spacious interior and enhanced hydrogen tank capacity. Its aerodynamic wheels help deliver a driving range of over 650 kilometres.

Hyundai entered the hydrogen field in 1998, establishing a dedicated research team, and launched its first hydrogen vehicle in partnership with US fuel cell company UTC Power in 2000.

In 2013, Hyundai Motor became the first company to mass-produce hydrogen fuel cell vehicles with the Tucson ix Fuel Cell and later introduced the Nexo, its dedicated hydrogen fuel cell model, in 2018.

-- BERNAMA-YONHAP