Hyundai NEXO: Hydrogen reinvented at Japan Mobility Show 2025
The hydrogen revolution isn’t waiting for tomorrow. It’s happening now. At the Japan Mobility Show 2025, Hyundai Motor Company unveiled the all-new NEXO. This marked its first appearance in Japan and underlining the automaker’s rising ambitions in hydrogen fuel-cell technology.
A Statement of Hydrogen Leadership
Hyundai used the show as more than just a launchpad for a new model. It was a declaration. The company’s display included a dedicated “Hydrogen Journey Zone”, where visitors could explore the entire hydrogen value chain. This includes production through storage to mobility.
By presenting the NEXO alongside concept models and interactive zones, Hyundai emphasised its dual front of both electrification and hydrogen innovation. They are not just chasing EVs, but defining the hydrogen-mobility future.
What the all-new NEXO brings to the table
Here are some of the headline features of the updated NEXO:
- Zero tailpipe emissions — while also claiming an ability to help clean the air by filtering fine dust during operation.
- Extended range — the WLTP figures exceed 826 km on a full charge/refuel.
- Rapid refuelling — the official materials suggest the fuel-cell vehicle can be topped up in around five minutes.
- Advanced safety & comfort — the new NEXO includes Hyundai’s latest driver assistance systems (Highway Driving Assist, Surround View Monitor, Remote Smart Parking Assist). It also has premium touches inside such as ventilated seats, Bang & Olufsen audio and eco-friendly materials.
Technology highlights
From a tech standpoint, Hyundai is positioning the NEXO as the flagship of its hydrogen drivetrain efforts. Among the technical innovations are:
- An improved fuel-cell stack and battery system, delivering better performance and efficiency.
- A full hydrogen ecosystem — via the HTWO hydrogen solutions brand — that looks beyond the car. It explores hydrogen generation, storage, transport and use cases.
- A clean-mobility mindset aligned to key markets like Japan, where Hyundai intends to make deeper inroads with younger, environmentally aware consumers.
Strategic importance for Japan
Japan is a significant market for hydrogen mobility ambitions. By debuting the NEXO there, Hyundai is sending a clear signal. This isn’t just a Korean or European play, it’s a global strategy.
Hyundai’s statement made it clear that in the first half of the next year they aim to introduce the NEXO into Japan. They plan community-driven efforts (such as the Hyundai Motor Club Japan) to deepen engagement and build a brand presence locally. 
Why this matters for hydrogen mobility
While electric vehicles (battery-EVs) dominate headlines, fuel-cell EVs like the NEXO demonstrate a different route to clean mobility. Hydrogen offers fast refuelling, long range and minimal infrastructure downtime.
For regions and users where battery-EVs struggle (cold climates, long distances, heavy duty use), hydrogen remains compelling.
Hyundai’s push with the NEXO shows they believe fuel-cells are still very much part of the future. These are not sidelined by the BEV wave, but integrated alongside it.
Final thoughts
The all-new NEXO isn’t just another hydrogen vehicle, it’s a statement of intent from Hyundai. At the Japan Mobility Show 2025, Hyundai showed that it’s serious about hydrogen: the technology, the ecosystem, the market.
For UK and European readers, this is a reminder that the clean-mobility conversation isn’t only about plugging in… sometimes, it’s about filling up, too.
The new NEXO offers performance, range and zero emissions, all wrapped in a refined, technologically advanced package.
If hydrogen mobility is going to scale beyond niche, models like this will be the proof point.
