Hyundai has unveiled the NEXO 2026 hydrogen crossover with a range of 826 km
By ForGeeks
Hyundai continues to expand its lineup of battery electric vehicles, but it’s not about to give up on hydrogen technology. The company has unveiled the second-generation NEXO — a hydrogen fuel cell electric crossover (FCEV) that challenges the idea that the future lies in battery electric vehicles. The global launch of the model is scheduled for early 2026.
The main advantage of the new Hyundai NEXO — an impressive range of 826 kilometers on the WLTP cycle and the ability to fully refuel with hydrogen in just five minutes. Of course, the problem remains the same — infrastructure. Hydrogen refueling stations are still rare, but when they are available, the process is much faster than any battery car charging.
The second-generation model has been significantly redesigned. Hyundai has completely revamped the fuel cell and doubled the power of the high-voltage battery — from 40 to 80 kW. The new hydrogen stack delivers 110 kW and the total system power reaches 190 kW. The electric motor now develops 150 kW, allowing acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.8 seconds instead of the previous 9.2.
NEXO has become roomier, retaining interior comfort despite an increase in hydrogen volume to 6.69 kg spread over three tanks. For the European version, a new capability has been added — towing trailers weighing up to 1,000 kg. This is the world’s first production hydrogen vehicle with such a feature. Hyundai has also improved cold-weather performance by introducing an anti-freeze Wake Up function.
The interior of the new NEXO has a modern, technological style. The instrument panel features two curved 12.3-inch screens for controlling vehicle functions and multimedia. Support for wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto appears, as well as the ability to update the system «over the air». A 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system delivers premium sound.
The hydrogen crossover gets Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability, allowing you to power external devices — such as laptops or travel equipment — directly from the car’s battery. New technologies also include — a projection display, integrated video logging, a fingerprint scanner for startup and a Digital Key 2 system that allows you to use your smartphone or Apple Watch as a key.
With the Digital Key 2 system, you can use your smartphone or Apple Watch as a key.
The model’s dimensions have grown: length — 4.75 meters, width — 1.86 meters, height — 1.64 meters (without roof rails). The trunk volume is now 993 liters, and with the seats folded down — 1,719 liters.
The driver and front passenger seats — premium seats with relaxation function and footrests. The rear cabin is more spacious. The trim is made from sustainable materials such as bio-leather, recycled PET fabrics and the body is painted with bio-based paint.
Safety has also been taken to a new level. Built on a reinforced steel platform, it features nine airbags and a full suite of driver assistance systems (ADAS), including collision avoidance and lane keeping.
The new NEXO is the result of nearly three decades of Hyundai’s research into hydrogen technology. Amid a general shift to battery electric vehicles, the company is making a bold bet on an alternative — fuel cell electric propulsion. The only question is whether the infrastructure behind the technology will catch up in time for the car’s release in 2026.
