Hyundai’s hydrogen-powered NEXO SUV begins 2-year test run with IndianOil: Details
Hyundai Motor India has partnered with Indian Oil Corporation to begin real-world testing of its hydrogen-powered NEXO SUV in India. The move is part of a broader push to explore the practicality of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles for everyday use in the country.
Under a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), Hyundai has handed over one unit of the NEXO Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) to IndianOil. Over the next two years, the vehicle will undergo rigorous testing across Indian road conditions to assess its performance, durability, and operational reliability. The test run will span around 40,000 km.
Alongside the performance evaluation, the two companies will conduct a Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) study to understand the long-term maintenance and operational expenses of using hydrogen-powered vehicles in a real-world environment. This study will simulate the usage pattern of a private owner to provide a more accurate picture of potential running costs and benefits.
Hyundai NEXO SUV: Powertrain
The Hyundai NEXO is equipped with a 2.64 kWh battery that works in tandem with a 147 hp hydrogen fuel cell system. Its electric motor puts out 201 hp, allowing the SUV to accelerate from 0 to 100 kmph in just 7.8 seconds. The vehicle carries a 6.69 kg hydrogen storage tank and boasts a claimed driving range of over 700 km on a full tank.
The outcome of the test run and ownership study will likely play a key role in shaping the future of hydrogen mobility in India, especially as the country pushes forward with cleaner, alternative fuel technologies.
