Unveiling Hyundai INITIUM: Pioneering the Future of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles
Hyundai Motor Company proudly unveiled the INITIUM hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) concept at its 'Clearly Committed' event at Hyundai Motorstudio Goyang.
Derived from the Latin for 'beginning' or 'first', INITIUM symbolises Hyundai Motor’s pioneering status in hydrogen energy and its dedication to cultivating a hydrogen-fuelled society.
The INITIUM concept previews Hyundai's forthcoming production, FCEV, which will be launched in the first half of next year. This concept encapsulates 27 years of Hyundai’s hydrogen technology expertise, underscoring the company’s commitment to a sustainable hydrogen future.
This SUV concept also marks the debut of Hyundai Motor’s new 'Art of Steel' design language, which reflects the ethos of HTWO, Hyundai Motor Group’s dedicated hydrogen business brand.
Jaehoon Chang, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company, stated, "Our steadfast commitment to hydrogen, honed over 27 years, is rooted in our belief in its potential as a clean, accessible, and equitable energy source for all. We are at the forefront of pioneering a future where hydrogen is ubiquitous, and we invite everyone to join us in this transformative journey."
Earlier this year, at CES 2024, Hyundai Motor launched its HTWO hydrogen business brand, with Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung focusing the Group's efforts on hydrogen energy.
At the unveiling, Executive Chair Chung presented the HTWO Grid vision—an all-encompassing hydrogen energy solution covering production, storage, transportation, and utilisation. He emphasised the Group's proactive role in fostering a hydrogen society and its capabilities to achieve this vision, affirming, "The transition to hydrogen energy is for the benefit of future generations."
SangYup Lee, Executive Vice President and Head of Hyundai and Genesis Global Design, introduced the INITIUM concept and Hyundai’s new 'Art of Steel' design language.
"Our challenge began from the manufacturing stage, where we enhanced the formability of steel to create a unique form of art," Lee commented. "With INITIUM, we’ve fashioned an SUV design that is robust and safe, reflecting our commitment to customer-centric design."
The INITIUM's design integrates the HTWO symbol, representing Hyundai Motor’s vision for a hydrogen-powered future. The '+' inspired graphic in INITIUM’s lighting signature blends with the bumper, creating a unique design cue specific to this FCEV.
The INITIUM SUV design melds urban functionality with outdoor adventure capability, featuring bold lines and a robust structure. Its 21-inch wheels and practical roof rack enhance the vehicle's versatility for urban and outdoor lifestyles.
Focused on the superior driving range, enhanced performance, and spacious interior, INITIUM is ideal for families and includes unique hydrogen-specific convenience and safety features.
Hyundai has equipped the INITIUM with extensive hydrogen tanks to maximise the vehicle’s range and fitted aerodynamic wheels with low rolling resistance tyres to facilitate a driving range exceeding 650 kilometres.
For performance, INITIUM provides strong acceleration and smooth overtaking capabilities. It benefits from Hyundai's refined fuel cell technology, which increases the stack's output and enhances battery capacity, supporting up to 150 kW motor output.
The spacious interior, with a vast body and large doors for easy access, offers increased comfort for second-row passengers. INITIUM also includes an FCEV-specific route planner that integrates charging station locations, simplifying the travel experience.
Moreover, INITIUM's hydrogen fuel cell powers the vehicle and can supply electricity to household appliances through its Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) feature.
Committed to unrivalled safety, INITIUM features multiple structural reinforcements and nine airbags, leading worldwide collision safety performance.
Hyundai Motor will showcase INITIUM at forthcoming international auto shows, reinforcing its position as a global leader in hydrogen mobility. The production version of INITIUM is anticipated to launch in early 2025, marking another milestone in Hyundai's longstanding commitment to hydrogen fuel cell technology development.
