Hyundai Plans To Launch Fuel Cell Electric Cars In India

Hyundai India has recently announced that the company is contemplating the feasibility of fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEV) for the Indian market. Possibly, this move could see the arrival of the Hyundai Nexo SUV to our country in the future, meant to increase the brand’s green credentials in India. If you have been following IndianAuto, you would know the excellent world record holder Nexo FCEV which is capable of travelling the longest distance of 778 km in a single tankful.

Hyundai is considering bringing fuel-cell electric vehicles to India

Hyundai first showcased the Nexo in India within the India-Korea Business Summit in New Delhi in 2018. Apart from being a world record titleholder, the Nexo has been well-known for being a hydrogen-powered fuel-cell SUV that gets the maximum points from Euro NCAP. As confirmed by Hyundai, FCEVs like the Nexo would be the ‘ultimate eco-friendly mobility solution” to the automobile industry, just like the conventional battery electric vehicles. These vehicles do not add to the greenhouse effect or increase pollution into the environment.

Also Read - Hyundai Nexo India Launch In Pipeline - Get Ready For A Hydrogen-powered SUV

The Hyundai Nexo is a hydrogen-powered fuel-cell SUV that gets a 95 kW fuel cell powering an electric motor producing 161 PS of power and 395 Nm of torque. Rated by the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP), the Nexo is capable of doing the range of 666 km, accelerating from 0 – 100 kph in 9.2 seconds and hitting the top speed of 177 kph. The Nexo is a technological flagship SUV by Hyundai.

Hyundai's first FCEV for India will probably be the Hyundai Nexo

Futuristic powertrain system aside, the all-electric Nexo sold in the international markets is also equipped with a range of driver’s autonomous driving functions along with a next-gen blind-spot monitor. There are also Highway Driving Assist, Lane Following Assist and self-parking function on board. If Hyundai Nexo comes to India, it is likely to enter the country via the CBU route and some of these advanced functions available internationally might be unavailable in India.

The Hyundai Nexo uses a 65 kW fuel cell that powers a 161 HP electric motor.

In terms of design, the Hyundai Nexo shares design elements with other Hyundai family SUVs, like the signature cascading grille up front. The Nexo’s cabin sports two LCD screens combined to make a 12.3-inch display. Hyundai’s first all-electric car for India is the Hyundai Kona Electric is presently priced from Rs 23.71 – 23.9 Lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). Also, the South Korean company is working to establish adequate infrastructure for EVs in India.