The Future Utility Vehicle made by Hyundai: All-New Hyundai NEXO

• The All-New Hyundai NEXO strengthens Hyundai Motor’s commitment to a cleaner future
• With the ix35 Fuel Cell, Hyundai Motor was the first car manufacturer to commercialise hydrogen in a production model with more fuel cell cars on European roads than all other brands combined
• Hyundai Motor again takes the lead in fuel cell electric vehicles, offering the most advanced technology on the market with autonomous driving capabilities and the strongest powertrain in the segment
• The Next-Generation fuel cell vehicle shows what future driving will look like and lets customers experience the future with autonomous driving capabilities like Remote Parking and other innovative convenience features such as Blind Spot View Monitor
• With an estimated driving range of up to 666 km (under WLTP testing) NEXO customers benefit from the longest hydrogen-powered capacity currently available, which is comparable to that of cars with a combustion engine
• The All-New NEXO is characterised by a pure and calm design with optimised features for aerodynamics improving the air flow and reducing air resistance
• State-of-the-art connectivity and navigation system with 12.3-inch colour LCD touchscreen featuring seamless LCD cover glass and split-screen function for high customer usability
• NEXO offers advanced active safety features – the Lane Following Assist, a Hyundai first, automatically adjusts steering to assist the driver to keep in the centre of the lane

With the All-New Hyundai NEXO, Hyundai Motor’s second-generation of commercialised fuel cell electric vehicles, the company again takes the lead in this segment with the first dedicated hydrogen-powered SUV. This next generation fuel cell vehicle offers the most advanced technology on the market with autonomous driving capabilities, smart advanced driver assistance systems and strongest powertrains in the segment.

“Hyundai Motor is already market leader in fuel cell technology across Europe. Over 70 per cent of all fuel cell cars driving in Europe are made by Hyundai,” says Thomas A. Schmid, Chief Operating Officer of Hyundai Motor Europe. “The All-New NEXO is an essential step in our eco car strategy to launch 18 new eco cars globally until 2025. It reflects our strong commitment in clean future mobility.”

NEXO is the technological flagship of Hyundai’s growing eco-vehicle fleet and is built on a newly developed and dedicated vehicle platform. Hyundai Motor calls it a FUV – a future utility vehicle – combining the practicality of an SUV crossover with advanced electrified technology, comprehensive driver assistance functions and innovative and appealing design features. The new NEXO has the best range within the fuel cell and EV car segment of 666 km (under WLTP testing) / 756 km (NEDC) – comparable to an internal combustion engine and allowing drivers to travel long distances.

The All-New NEXO consolidates Hyundai Motor’s fuel cell technology leadership

NEXO is available across Europe starting from mid-2018. Hyundai Motor is investing heavily in a future zero-emission mobility already covering the widest range of alternative powertrains in the industry. With the new fuel cell system, Hyundai has taken the comprehensive technology of the previous model further forward. The company is now introducing the most advanced eco-friendly powertrain making the fuel cell technology smaller, lighter and stronger. The next generation fuel cell vehicle improves the air supply system and reduces the already short refuelling times. The overall efficiency and fuel economy put the NEXO in a class all of its own.

With the ix35 Fuel Cell, Hyundai Motor was the first car manufacturer to mass-produce fuel cell vehicles. The All-New NEXO is the next model on the European market as part of Hyundai’s eco-strategy to introduce a total of 18 eco-friendly vehicles globally by 2025 to accelerate the development of low- to zero-emission driving.

Futuristic Design

The All-New NEXO’s design is inspired by nature, consisting of a pure and calm composition. With its streamlined silhouette and a floating roof, the exterior shape highlights a smooth, seamless integration of function and design. The interior space harmonises state of the art technology with purism. By applying aerodynamic techniques, the design of the All-New NEXO is optimised to reduce the drag coefficient. Its characteristic purism is further executed by the use of UL (Underwriters Laboratories)-certified bio materials for every surface. This improves the CO2 balance of NEXO by 20 per cent.

Best-in-class driving range of 666 km

NEXO’s features a new fuel cell powertrain that is optimised for durability, performance and is lighter. NEXO accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.2 seconds and reaches a best-in-class top speed of 179 km/h. The eco-friendly fuel cell powertrain boasts an increased rate of hydrogen utilisation and component efficiency, which results in the world’s best system efficiency of 60 per cent with a fuel consumption of 0.95 kg per 100 km. The All-New NEXO has the best driving range of 666 km (under WLTP testing) and 756 km (NEDC) – better than any other fuel cell car. For its highly durable membrane electrode catalyst and new drive control technology NEXO’s durability is outstanding and unprecedented: at least ten years and 160,000 kilometres. Furthermore, as a fuel cell electric vehicle, NEXO does not emit particulates and even filters and purifies the air as it drives.

Autonomous driving features: Remote Smart Parking Assist

The NEXO is the first model in Hyundai’s line-up that offers autonomous driving technology, Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA), for instance, allows the vehicle to automatically park or retrieve itself from a parking space with or without a driver in the car. 

Safety and connectivity features

Hyundai truly cares about the customer’s well-being. To comply with the highest European safety standards, the All-New NEXO offers one of the best-in-class safety packages and industry-first safety features. All features are part of Hyundai SmartSense active safety and driving assistance technologies. New features such as Lane Following Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Warning and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning ensure drivers’ safety on the road by preventing collision risk.

Two large LCD displays one of 12.3-inch navigation system and the 7-inch LCD cluster ensure connectivity and give the interior a futuristic look. The 7-inch display holds the digital instrument cluster to show speed and, fuel level and other key driving information. The navigation touchscreen comes with a new split-screen function and a new home screen for the navigation, connectivity and infotainment features.

Design

The All-New NEXO is characterised by a pure and calm design emphasising its streamlined silhouette and a floating roof. A pure shape engineered to be efficient, yet beautiful, reflecting the style of an SUV. Through close cooperation with the aerodynamics department Hyundai’s Future Utility Vehicle integrates form and function in a smooth and seamless manner.

Exterior Design

The seamless front appears wide and clearly defined with purist composite light. The full LED Daytime Running Lights and the position lamp are visually separated, but still connect with Hyundai’s SUV family design. Both Daytime Running Lights on the front are joined by a continuous, thin line of light emphasising the elegant and horizontal front layout. This line of light is inspired by the light above the horizon at dawn and integrates neatly with the signature Cascading Grille. The grille has been widened to increase the air intake, rounding off the strong visual impact of the front. Triangular headlamps below the lights emphasise the progressive character of the car and are a unique design feature.

The seamless design continues over the side to the rear. The thin, floating roof is emphasised by the large daylight opening and slim D-pillar that runs into the rear spoiler. The rear features an almost triangular shaped window that wraps to the side and a long, prominent spoiler creating a distinct look. The integrated rear wiper is hidden underneath the rear spoiler for a clean rear look and is a Hyundai first. The triangular design of the rear headlamps shares the design with the headlights. Its jewel-like inner lenses create a premium look. The rear lights combined with the horizontal layout of the rear gives the car a strong stance.

NEXO is the first Hyundai vehicle with integrated flush door handles. This special handle accomplishes a clean design of the car’s side and improves the airflow. Drivers can opt for automatic deployment of the door handles, either for the driver’s door or for all four doors. The mechanism automatically contracts after five seconds when the car is started. When the car accelerates above 3 km/h, the handles retract automatically.

The All-New NEXO is available in five different, low emission paint colours. Customers can choose between a painting in White Cream, Cocoon Silver, Copper Metallic, Titanium Grey and Dusk Blue.

Optimised in aerodynamics

The design features of the All-New NEXO are optimised for aerodynamics improving the air flow and reducing air resistance. Alternative materials such as an alloy bumper beam and a plastic fender were applied in order to minimise NEXO’s weight through a lightweight technology. Multiple aerodynamic features are discreetly integrated into the front, side and rear. The lower bumper on the front houses wheel air curtains on each side. The air flowing around the cabin is channelled through the air ducts as part of the D-pillar. Further design elements that improve aerodynamics are retractable door handles, hidden rear wiper and a full body undercover and large air ducts as part of the D-pillar. These elements are integrated into the body without interrupting the visual flow. The overall drag coefficient is as low as 0.329.

The engine’s oxygen flow is met by the large opening of the Cascading Grille at the front and small air intakes at the car’s rear.

Interior Design

In the FUV’s interior state of the art technology harmonises with purism. Moreover, the interior continues the car’s horizontal layout in the cockpit. Most prominent is the wide dashboard that houses two large LCD displays. The newly integrated displays completely transform the dashboard’s architecture. While its visual weight is significantly minimised, the interior space is maximised with a light and almost panoramic appearance. A two-spoke steering wheel comes with a two-tone colour scheme complementing the modern and clean style of the interior.

Another prominent element in the interior is the bridge-type centre console with its heightened position for a high-tech appearance and an intuitive operation of the car. Physical buttons operate the shift by wire, activate drive modes and change the climate settings; the physical control knob accesses navigation functions. An extra storage space for personal items can be found underneath the centre console. The large lower tray holds the wireless charging and two USB ports.

In addition, the pure and clean design is complimented by the use of UL (Underwriters Laboratories)-certified bio materials for every surface inside the car. Vegan leather and textile piping is applied on the seats, eco-fibers on basis of cane sugar used for headliners and floor mats as well as eco-paint for the centre fascia. In total, 15 per cent of the materials utilised on the inside are of eco-materials improving the CO2 balance of NEXO by further 20 per cent.
For the interior, customers can choose between two colour combinations: A two-tone Stone and Shell Grey and one-tone Meteor Blue. The interior trim is available in vegan leather with a unique perforation and textile piping.

The world’s first unified three-tank system with its small tank size creates more space for passengers and luggage – giving customers the roominess of a true SUV. Additionally, the wheelbase is increased by 150 mm compared to the ix35 Fuel Cell. This results in the best total interior space of any current fuel cell electric vehicle and creates a fully flat luggage area with a luggage capacity of 461 litres (VDA) and maximum 1,466 litres (VDA) with seats folded flat.

Driving Performance

NEXO is the perfect daily-use zero-emission vehicle – living up to Hyundai Motor’s development philosophy of optimum efficiency with zero sacrifice in driving performance.

Most advanced fuel cell powertrain with the best driving range

The Hyundai NEXO was designed with new vehicle architecture that benefits the car in many ways: the car is lighter, the battery is relocated to the trunk and the fuel cell system layout is improved. The fuel cell powertrain is lighter and has improved packaging. It achieves a maximum power output of 120 kW (163 PS) and a torque of 395 Nm. NEXO accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.2 seconds and reaches a class best top speed of 179 km/h.

The eco-friendly fuel cell powertrain boasts an increased rate of hydrogen utilisation and component efficiency. This results in the world’s best system efficiency of 60 per cent with a fuel consumption of 0.84 kg per 100 km. The All-New NEXO has the best driving range of 666 km (under current WLTP testing) / 756 km (NEDC) – better than any other fuel cell or electric car. This range is comparable to that of an internal combustion engine and allows drivers to travel long distances.

The newly developed vehicle platform integrates three identical tanks with a volume of 52.2 litres of hydrogen per tank, resulting in a world-class storage density and higher fuel capacity. Despite the higher storage capacity, the All-New NEXO takes only five minutes to refuel.

Designed to handle extreme temperature and environments, the NEXO will cold start even when the outside temperature drops to 30 degrees Celsius below zero in an industry-leading 30 seconds.

A highly durable membrane electrode catalyst and new drive control technology give the NEXO outstanding and unprecedented durability that is on a par with an internal combustion engine vehicle: at least 10 years and 160,000 kilometres.

Effortless electric driving

A special feature of the All-New NEXO is the shift-by-wire operation module which enables an intuitive operation of the electric powertrain. The system allows engaging gears and the electric parking brake by the simple push of a button.

An adjustable regenerative braking system allows the driver to adjust the intensity of the regenerative braking by using the paddle shifts behind the steering wheel. The system recuperates additional energy when possible.

Improved steering and suspension

By integrating the multilink rear suspension the All-New NEXO has an improved suspension geometry for a smoother and more comfortable ride while enhancing handling.

To improve steering responsiveness, NEXO features a higher gear box ratio of 58 mm (plus 4 mm compared to the ix35 Fuel Cell).

Improved body stiffness

The strong and light body enhances the dynamic performance and increases passenger safety by using 56 per cent high-strength steel.
With the application of more high strengths steel, body stiffness is improved by 30 per cent compared to the ix35 Fuel Cell. The higher torsional stiffness reduces body roll and ensures a better handling of the car.

Fuel cell vehicles purify the air as they drive

Fuel cell electric vehicles, just like battery-powered electric vehicles, do not emit particulates. A special benefit is that that they also filter and purify the air as they drive. The NEXO reduces fine dust pollution by that of two diesel cars travelling the same distance.

The efficient and durable high-performance air filter can filter micro-particulates smaller than particulate matter (PM) 2.5 in size. In short, when air filters through the NEXO, 99.9 per cent of particulates are purified and the instrument cluster displays how much you have contributed toward cleaning the environment around you.

Connected and Caring

The All-New NEXO offers the most advanced safety and driver assistance as well as state-of-the art connected and infotainment services features. It features two large high resolution LCD displays that emphasise the horizontal layout of the interior. Voice recognition and Bluetooth hands-free improve the driver’s flexibility and comfort.

State-of-the-art connectivity

The new navigation system is a distinct feature inside the car. The premium and modern look is emphasised by the seamless LCD cover glass. Integrated into the display is a touch panel for more responsive touch control. It offers high customer usability with new split-screen function for displaying simultaneously different information such as navigation commands, maps, connectivity and infotainment features. The new display comes with an improved brightness of 28 per cent for a great visibility at all times.

To enhance seamless integration of the driver’s smartphone, making operation more intuitive and safe while driving, it is available with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This way, users can control their music, telephone or navigation functions on the 12.3-inch colour LCD touchscreen.

Furthermore, the screen informs the driver of fuel cell specific information: it displays fuel level, and the nearest fuel cell refuelling station and the energy flow, showing exactly what is powering the car. Furthermore, the display shows the state of the hydrogen tank: temperature, pressure and other tank status information. It monitors CO2 emissions and showing the amount of clean air produced by the NEXO.

The 8-way jog dial that is integrated in large centre console allows drivers to easy browse the user settings for changing the information displayed on the navigation screen.

The new high-tech information cluster with 7-inch colour LCD screen displays key driving information such as speed, fuel level, power and trip information with outstanding visibility.

The high-end Krell sound system consists of two tweeters, four door speakers, a centre speaker and sub-woofer and guarantee great all-round sound for a concert hall music experience. Voice recognition and Bluetooth hands-free improve the driver’s flexibility and comfort.

Power tailgate and wide sunroof

The Power tailgate the driver enables the driver to open and close NEXO’s trunk automatically with the push of a button. This technology raises the driver’s convenience and flexibility when carrying or adjusting goods. A wide sunroof which lets drivers enjoy nature while driving enhances the driving experience as well as the driver’s view and comfort.

Cutting-edge convenience and innovative driver assistance technology

New Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) on board the NEXO expand the autonomous driving capabilities of Hyundai. These modern premium product improvements are focused on connecting future technology with evolving mobility challenges.

Blind-spot View Monitor (BVM)

Hyundai’s Blind-spot View Monitor is an industry-first technology. It shows drivers on a central cluster screen the rear left and right and side views of the NEXO using cameras while changing lanes in either direction. The system uses wide-angle surround view monitors (SVM) on each side of the vehicle to monitor areas that cannot be seen by a conventional rear-view mirror. The technology enhances visibility in difficult driving conditions such as darkness or rainy weather. Hyundai is the first carmaker to provide drivers with video footage from both sides of the vehicle.

Lane Following Assist (LFA) and Highway Driving Assist (HDA)

Lane Following Assist (LFA) is an all-new technology for Hyundai and it debuts in the NEXO. LFA automatically adjusts steering to assist the driver to keep in the centre of the lane. It works from a standstill up to speeds of 145 kilometres per hour on both highways and inter urban roads. When paired with Hyundai’s Highway Driving Assist (HDA), which utilises sensors and map data to allow autonomous driving on highways, drivers will be able to travel long distances with greater ease and improved safety.

Autonomous technology: Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA)

Remote Smart Parking Assist enables the NEXO to autonomously park or retrieve itself from a parking space with or without a driver in the car. The RSPA system can automatically park the car both in perpendicular and parallel parking situations – simply at the touch of a button. Designed especially for challenging parking scenarios or very narrow parking spaces, drivers will be able to park with complete confidence and accuracy.

Hyundai SmartSense: Highest level of active safety

The Future Utility Vehicle features the latest Hyundai SmartSense active safety and driving assistance features to comply with the highest European safety standards: Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with pedestrian detection, Lane Keeping Assist (standard), High Beam Assist with Static Low Beam Assist, Driver Attention Warning (standard), Blind-Spot Collision Warning and an optional Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning.

Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) with Pedestrian Detection

The All-New Kona Electric is fitted with Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) with Pedestrian Detection, an advanced active safety feature that alerts drivers to emergency situations, braking automatically if required. Using front radar and camera sensors, FCA operates in three stages. Initially warning the driver visually and acoustically, it controls the brake according to the collision danger level, and applies maximum braking force to avoid a collision or minimise damage when a collision is unavoidable. The system is activated when a vehicle or pedestrian is sensed in front of the car, operating at speeds of 8 km/h or above.

Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)

The Lane Keeping Assist alerts the driver in unsafe movements at over 60 km/h by sensing the car’s position. The Lane Departure Warning (LDW) sounds an alarm before the car moves over white, grey and blue lines as well as Bott’s dots on the road, while the LKA warns the driver acoustically and visually before inducing corrective steering to guide the driver back to a safe position.

High Beam Assist (HBA) and Static Low Beam Assist (LBA-S)

When switched to automatic mode, High Beam Assist (HBA) detects both oncoming vehicles and vehicles in the same lane ahead at night, and changes to low-beam as appropriate, reducing blinding effects on other drivers. Whenever there are no vehicles detected, the system automatically reactivates the high beams. The static Low Beam Assist (LBA-S) turns additional lamps on and off based on the vehicle speed and steering angle.

Driver Attention Warning (DAW)

The Driver Attention Warning (DAW) raises safety and convenience to an entirely new level by continuously monitoring and analysing driving patterns through data inputs, such as the steering angle, steering torque and vehicle position in the traffic lane. When a pattern of fatigue/distraction is identified, DAW gets the driver’s attention with an audible alert and pop-up message suggesting a break.

Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW)

Also using radar, the Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW) monitors the rear corners and, if another vehicle is detected, a visual alert appears on the exterior mirrors. If the driver then activates the indicators, an audible signal is emitted. This also applies to lane change situations in which a vehicle is detected.

Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning (RCCW)

Using the rear corner radar, the Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning (RCCW) reduces the risk of collision with approaching traffic when reversing out of narrow areas with low visibility. Using radar to scan a 180-degree area behind the vehicle for approaching cross traffic, RCCW alerts the driver visually and audibly.

Around the interior of the NEXO a total of six airbags are installed (two front airbags, two side airbags and two curtain airbags from first to second row, protecting both driver and passengers).

Autonomous driving tested in the longest self-drive in Korea

Like recently demonstrated in a self-drive from Seoul to Pyeongchang, NEXO fuel cell electric vehicle completed the longest level 4 autonomous driving journey of 190 kilometres. For the first time ever, autonomous cars have driven at speeds of 100 to 110 kilometres per hour over this distance. Entering the highway, the vehicles moved in response to the natural flow of traffic. They executed lane changes and overtaking manoeuvres and navigated through toll gates.

Three vehicles based on the NEXO equipped with level 4 self-driving technology, as defined by the SAE international standards, and 5G network technology completed the journey. Adding a small number of sensors to the vehicles has enabled the realisation of fully autonomous driving technology, and thus bringing Hyundai a step closer to the commercialisation of self-driving technology.

The vehicles used for the demonstration are “futuristic vehicles” that closely represent Hyundai’s three visions for future mobility: connected mobility, freedom in mobility and clean mobility.

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