Hyundai is doubling down on its commitment to hydrogen fuel cell technology with the introduction of the Initium, a new hydrogen-powered SUV concept. The company plans to begin production of the Initium in the first half of next year.
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The Initium boasts an impressive range of approximately 404 miles on a single tank of hydrogen. It also offers a dual-powertrain system, allowing it to operate on electric power when hydrogen refuelling is unavailable. The vehicle is set to make its public debut at the LA Auto Show and Auto Guangzhou in November.
Hyundai’s investment of $4 billion in hydrogen vehicle technology and infrastructure underscores its dedication to achieving carbon neutrality by 2045. While hydrogen-powered vehicles offer several advantages, including longer ranges and faster refuelling times compared to electric vehicles, the limited availability of hydrogen fuelling stations remains a significant hurdle.
Currently, the United States has only 59 hydrogen fuelling stations, primarily concentrated in California. A handful of automakers, including Hyundai and Toyota, continue to offer hydrogen-powered vehicles, while others, like Honda, have discontinued their hydrogen models. As hydrogen infrastructure expands and technology advances, hydrogen-powered vehicles may become a more viable option for eco-conscious consumers.
