Hydrogen concept: Hyundai’s 650km INITIUM hydrogen SUV announced
The INITIUM concept. It’s Hyundai’s latest shot across the bows of battery electric, and it comes in the form of a sleek hydrogen-powered SUV that’s got more going for it than just looks (we’ll cover that in a bit…).
Hyundai’s certainly not playing coy with the design, naming this new concept INITIUM – Latin for ‘beginning’ or ‘first’.
It’s a rather fitting label for a brand leading the charge toward a hydrogen society, daring to do what few others in the industry seem ready for.
Hyundai’s new design language – “Art of Steel”
Hyundai’s new design language, dramatically named ‘Art of Steel’, promises an SUV look that’s both bold and brutally refined.
According to Hyundai’s design chief SangYup Lee, the carmaker has “pushed the formability of steel to the extreme to create a form of art,” moulding it into something altogether tougher and arguably cooler than we’re used to seeing.
SUV styling with real attitude: solid volumes, sharp lines, and a bumper that integrates Hyundai’s iconic HTWO symbol. If Terminator had an SUV, it would probably look something like this.
If I am to be frank, though, looking at these concept images, I can’t help but notice a subtle whiff of Pontiac Aztek about the design. Perhaps it’s the horizontal line across the front bumper and those triangular rear quarter windows. Sorry Hyundai.
Moving swiftly on, the INITIUM looks ready for both a city cruise and a trek up a mountain… pass.
With 21-inch aerodynamic wheels wrapped in low rolling resistance tires, and a chunky roof rack screaming “pack up and let’s go,” Hyundai’s design exudes a Blundstone-wearing, urban-meets-wilderness chic.
With those tyres, though, the INITIUM is looking like it’ll be more of a soft roader, as opposed to something to rival the Ineos Grenadier.
Range anxiety? Not here
Now, if you’re thinking, “All this sounds great, but how far will it actually get me?” Hyundai already has this covered.
The INITIUM is equipped with hefty hydrogen tanks that give it a targeted range of over 650 km (that’s well over 400 miles to us in the civilised world).
And with a max motor output of 150 kW (over 200 horsepowers), it promises the power and acceleration to tackle urban gridlock as well as open motorways with zero emissions.
Smooth acceleration and easy overtaking are high on Hyundai’s checklist, making this concept SUV supposedly not only efficient, but also punchy enough to get you out of bother. Or into bother, depending on your prowess behind the wheel.
And Hyundai’s giving its FCEV a practical edge, including a hydrogen-specific route planner.
Forget fumbling through third-party apps for refuelling stops – INITIUM’s onboard system lets you plot routes to hydrogen stations with one tap.
Hyundai’s thought ahead with a system that shows each station’s status in real-time, meaning you’ll know where to find your next fill-up – and whether there’s a queue – without any detours.
Living room on wheels
The inside of the INITIUM is as impressive as the exterior. Hyundai’s gone full ‘family SUV’ on this one, creating a cavernous interior with ample room for passengers to sprawl out in the back with seats that offer luxurious recline angles.
And if you’re one of those people who likes to bring the kitchen sink along camping, the INITIUM’s spacious rear seats and wide rear doors mean getting in and out won’t feel like squeezing into a sardine tin.
But it’s the tech touches that set this hydrogen SUV apart. Hyundai has packed in a Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) feature, transforming the INITIUM into a mini power station.
If you’re on a camping trip or stuck in a blackout, INITIUM’s hydrogen fuel cell can power up your essentials – from a fridge to a laptop – directly via a 220V outlet.
Safety features
Now, what’s an SUV without a bit of bubble wrap? Hyundai has reinforced the INITIUM with a multi-skeleton structure upfront and a fortified side body, giving it a tough-as-nails build.
Nine airbags round out the safety package, so everyone on board stays protected in any situation.
Hyundai’s hydrogen brand HTWO
INITIUM is a symbol of Hyundai’s hydrogen ambitions, crystallised through its dedicated hydrogen brand, HTWO, which Hyundai launched at CES 2024.
As Hyundai Executive Chair Euisun Chung puts it, this is “a shift to hydrogen energy for future generations”.
In other words, Hyundai sees hydrogen not just as an alternative, but as *the* fuel source that might one day power everything, from your home, your car, and the world’s largest cities.
INITIUM is slated for its big reveal in November, taking centre stage at the LA Auto Show and Auto Guangzhou.
Hyundai aims to bring a production model of this very concept to market by mid-2025. And it’s hard not to be just a little bit excited. Watch this space.
