The automotive world loves talking about “the future,” but most of the time, we’re still waiting for it to arrive. However, Hyundai’s latest revelation at the Seoul Motor Show proves that sometimes the future shows up whether we’re ready or not. The second-generation Nexo hydrogen fuel-cell SUV isn’t just another concept car gathering dust—it’s landing in Australia during the first half of 2026, and frankly, it’s about time.
While everyone’s been obsessing over battery electric vehicles, Hyundai has quietly been perfecting something that might just be more practical: a car that refuels in five minutes and drives for over 700 kilometers. Sound too good to be true? Let’s dive into what makes this hydrogen-powered SUV tick.
Performance That Actually Matters
Power and Speed Redefined
Here’s where things get interesting. The previous Nexo wasn’t exactly what you’d call peppy—taking 9.2 seconds to reach 100km/h from a standstill. That’s family sedan territory, not particularly exciting for an SUV that’s supposed to represent cutting-edge technology. The engineers at Hyundai clearly heard the criticism.
The 2026 model slashes that time to 7.8 seconds, which suddenly makes this hydrogen SUV feel properly modern. How did they manage this transformation? The answer lies in a complete electrical system overhaul that’s more comprehensive than most manufacturers attempt in a single generation.
The hydrogen fuel-cell stack now churns out 110kW of power, representing a solid 15kW increase from its predecessor. Meanwhile, the electric motor has received an even more substantial boost, jumping from 120kW to 150kW. But here’s the clever part—they’ve also dramatically upgraded the battery system that works alongside the fuel cell.
Battery Technology Integration
The battery capacity has grown from a modest 1.56kWh to 2.64kWh, with power output doubling to 80kW. This isn’t just about bigger numbers; it’s about creating a more responsive driving experience. The larger battery provides better acceleration from standstill and allows for more regenerative braking efficiency.
Combined, these improvements deliver a total system output of 190kW compared to the outgoing model’s 135kW. That’s a 40% increase in total power—the kind of jump that transforms how a vehicle feels on the road.
Design Evolution: More Than Skin Deep
Exterior Transformation
The new Nexo abandons the somewhat quirky styling of its predecessor in favor of Hyundai’s latest ‘Art of Steel’ design philosophy. Based on the Initium concept revealed in October, this approach brings the hydrogen SUV more in line with Hyundai’s current family aesthetic. Gone are the days when eco-friendly vehicles had to look like they came from another planet.
The FCEV-specific design elements are subtler but purposeful. The ‘HTWO’ lighting system—named after Hyundai’s hydrogen division—creates a distinctive visual signature, while the ‘4 Dot Lamps’ ensure the vehicle remains recognizable even in low-light conditions. These aren’t just styling exercises; they’re functional design choices that help establish hydrogen vehicles as a legitimate automotive category.
Interior Refinement
Step inside, and the improvements become immediately apparent. The first-row Premium Relaxation Seats now include leg rests—a feature you’d typically expect in premium sedans, not SUVs. This attention to comfort suggests Hyundai is positioning the Nexo as more than just an environmental statement; it’s meant to be genuinely desirable.
The rear passenger space has been improved, though specific dimensions weren’t detailed. More importantly, sustainable materials feature throughout the cabin, reinforcing the vehicle’s environmental credentials without compromising on perceived quality.
Technology integration includes dual 12.3-inch displays, wireless connectivity options, and perhaps most intriguingly, generative AI voice recognition. The inclusion of over-the-air update capability ensures the vehicle can evolve over its lifetime—a crucial feature in today’s rapidly changing automotive landscape.
The Range Reality Check
700+ Kilometer Target
The headline figure everyone’s talking about is that 700+ kilometer range target. Using Korean testing standards, this represents a significant improvement over the previous model’s 609-kilometer capability. But let’s be realistic about what this means in practical terms.
Real-world driving conditions rarely match laboratory testing standards, regardless of which country’s protocols you’re using. Weather, driving style, terrain, and vehicle loading all affect actual range. However, even if the real-world figure ends up being 20-30% lower than the official rating, we’re still looking at approximately 500+ kilometers of practical driving range.
Refueling Infrastructure: The Elephant in the Room
Here’s where the conversation becomes more complex. Australia currently operates just nine hydrogen refueling stations nationwide, with another eight reportedly in development. For context, that’s fewer hydrogen stations than many individual suburbs have petrol stations.
The current deployment numbers tell the story: only 35 Nexos operate across Australia, primarily in government fleets. Twenty vehicles serve with the ACT Government, five with Queensland Government departments. These aren’t retail sales; they’re strategic deployments designed to test infrastructure and gather operational data.
Safety and Advanced Features
Comprehensive Protection Systems
Hyundai is targeting top-tier safety ratings for the new Nexo, incorporating comprehensive active safety systems throughout the vehicle. While specific details remain under wraps, the company’s recent track record suggests we can expect advanced collision avoidance, lane-keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control as standard equipment.
Remote Smart Parking Assist represents one of the more interesting technological additions. This system allows drivers to maneuver the vehicle into tight parking spaces using their smartphone, potentially useful given the Nexo’s 4,750mm length—80mm longer than its predecessor.
Practical Considerations
The boot space specification of 993 liters suggests Hyundai has successfully managed to increase tank capacity from 6.33kg to 6.69kg without compromising interior practicality. This is no small achievement, given that hydrogen storage requires specially designed high-pressure tanks that can significantly impact vehicle packaging.
The Australian Context
Government Investment vs. Reality
Australia’s National Hydrogen Strategy represents one of the largest government investments in alternative fuel infrastructure in the country’s history. However, the gap between policy ambition and practical implementation remains substantial.
Current infrastructure limitations mean the Nexo’s impressive five-minute refueling capability is largely theoretical for most Australian drivers. Until hydrogen stations become as common as petrol stations—or at least as available as DC fast chargers for electric vehicles—hydrogen cars remain primarily suited to specific use cases.
Fleet Applications First
The logical deployment strategy focuses on fleet applications where vehicles operate from centralized locations with predictable routes. Government departments, delivery services, and corporate fleets with dedicated refueling infrastructure represent the most practical early adopters.
This approach allows hydrogen technology to prove itself in real-world conditions while infrastructure development catches up to vehicle capability. It’s a pragmatic strategy that acknowledges current limitations while building toward broader adoption.
Looking Forward: 2026 and Beyond
Market Positioning
When the 2026 Nexo arrives in Australia, it won’t be competing directly with conventional SUVs for most buyers. Instead, it represents an alternative to battery electric vehicles for customers who prioritize quick refueling and long-range capability over widespread charging infrastructure.
The vehicle’s positioning suggests Hyundai views hydrogen fuel-cell technology as complementary to, rather than competitive with, battery electric vehicles. Different technologies serve different needs, and the Nexo addresses specific use cases where batteries currently fall short.
Technology Maturation
The second-generation Nexo represents significant technological maturation compared to its predecessor. The performance improvements, design evolution, and feature integration suggest hydrogen fuel-cell technology is moving beyond experimental status toward mainstream viability.
However, success ultimately depends on infrastructure development keeping pace with vehicle technology. The most advanced hydrogen car in the world remains impractical if drivers can’t refuel it conveniently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When exactly will the 2026 Hyundai Nexo be available in Australia? A: Hyundai has confirmed arrival during the first half of 2026, though availability to private buyers versus fleet customers remains to be determined.
Q: How does hydrogen refueling compare to electric vehicle charging? A: Hydrogen refueling takes approximately five minutes, similar to conventional petrol vehicles, while DC fast charging for electric vehicles typically requires 30-60 minutes for comparable range.
Q: What’s the current cost of hydrogen fuel in Australia? A: Hydrogen pricing varies significantly by location and remains higher than petrol on a per-kilometer basis, though exact figures depend on specific refueling station pricing structures.
Q: Can the Nexo operate normally if hydrogen runs out? A: The vehicle relies primarily on hydrogen for power generation, though the larger battery in the 2026 model provides limited electric-only operation for short distances.
Q: How does the Nexo compare to other hydrogen vehicles available globally? A: The Nexo competes primarily with the Toyota Mirai sedan and BMW iX5 Hydrogen, offering SUV practicality that most hydrogen vehicles currently lack.