Hyundai have unveiled their latest project. The Korean manufacturer has secretly been working on Project Initium, a FCEV(Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle) that will change the way we view and use the hydrogen fuel cell stack in our everyday lives. Hyundai have a long history of leading the hydrogen sector as they first invested in the technology about 27 years ago. This new project represents that history and will have 201 HP that comes from Hyundai’s third generation hydrogen fuel cell stack. Since making their commitment to hydrogen, Hyundai have established a global hydrogen infrastructure.
How long have Hyundai been leading the hydrogen fuel cell industry?
The answer to that is very long indeed. They first began in 2005 when they established the Environmental Technology Research Institute (Mabuk Eco-friendly Technology Research Center). Long before the emergence of the EV, Hyundai noticed that in a few short decades the engine manufacturers in the world were going to be frantically searching for the “fuel of the future”. Hyundai would prove to be ahead of its competitors in that regard.
So they did their research and made their hydrogen commitment clear. They would reach several milestones over the next few decades. The ix35 was the world’s first mass-produced fuel cell vehicle. But they really showed the world what they could do with the NEXO, which debuted in 2018, which is seen as Hyundai’s first dedicated hydrogen fuel cell model. And from there the innovation and advancements have come fast and hard.
The NEXO proved to the world that the hydrogen fuel cell technology was reliable and could be mass-produced for the world’s needs. Their commitment to their hydrogen fuel cell was admirable to say the least in a time when the world’s automotive manufacturers where all exploring different options and fuel sources for their designs. This created a market that was more accepting of the alternatively powered vehicle.
Project Initium is the culmination of Hyundai’s 27 year hydrogen research.
This project builds off of the back of another project for Hyundai. The Polaris Project was part of Hyundai’s broader efforts in the field of hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) and the basis of the new Initium project that has led to the new car. Their nearly three decade long research and development of their hydrogen fuel cell stack has meant that the new car is a culmination of their collective efforts.
While details are slim, some have pointed to their XCIENT fuel cell trucks featuring the same third generation fuel cell technology. Those trucks are capable of at least 400 kilometers between refueling. Hyundai have also invested heavily in their hydrogen infrastructure, that will be necessary for the adoption of the technology on a global scale.
The car will be aimed at the SUV market and offers the driver the chance to use the hydrogen fuel cell technology in their everyday lives. Hyundai have been masterful in their efforts and have established strategic partnerships around the globe for their hydrogen technology. This has no doubt, along with their 27 year commitment, led them to become the automotive industry’s hydrogen fuel cell leader.
Will the world follow Hyundai into the hydrogen future that they have pioneered?
Well at least partially. Some other major Asian manufacturers have their own ideas. Hyundai’s website states, “We are dedicated to pioneering a future where hydrogen is used by everyone, in everything, and everywhere.” Unlike some other manufacturers, Hyundai are not keeping their options open and exploring multiple avenues to power their ambitions. Instead the company has remained steadfast in their commitment to hydrogen. Whether the rest of the world follows their example, remains to be determined.
