Earlier this month, Hyundai confirmed that BMW plans to launch a hydrogen fuel vehicle by 2028 with assistance from Toyota. However, two years before that, the second generation of the Nexo SUV will be introduced. The new model will replace some of the current Nexo's curves with sleeker straight lines, enhancing the practicality of the SUV with a slightly straighter rear design, which also aligns with the new Santa Fe's styling. Additionally, the wheelbase will be shorter, and there will be some design changes in the rear door area compared to the Santa Fe.
When the heavy camouflage is removed next year in time for the 2026 model, a full-width light bar is expected to appear at the front. Judging by the position of the lights at the rear of this prototype, the rear design will be quite different from the uncertain earlier designs that placed the taillights on either side of the window.
Hyundai has not disclosed any information regarding the powertrain of the new Nexo, but it stands to reason that it will be more powerful and have a longer lifespan than the current vehicle. The existing engine produces only 161 horsepower, along with 395 Nm of torque, and has a range of 611 km according to EPA ratings. Some sources indicate that the new Nexo will extend its range to 800 km.
The original Nexo was launched in the US in 2018, followed by its arrival in the UK the next year and in Australia in 2021. However, it is considered a rare vehicle, as U.S. sales are limited to California, where fueling station availability is better.
At the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in January, Hyundai announced two methods for producing hydrogen. The first method involves converting waste into hydrogen, while the second involves converting plastic into hydrogen. The waste conversion program includes turning food and livestock manure into biogas, then processing it to capture hydrogen, while the other scheme produces gas by melting unrecyclable plastic.
