Hyundai evaluating launch of fuel cell EVs in India

Hyundai has announced that it has begun conducting a feasibility study to bring fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) to the Indian market. This move could see the introduction of the Hyundai Nexo FCEV in India and enhance the Korean brand’s green credentials here.

The Hyundai Nexo has been showcased in India, at the 2018 India-Korea Business Summit, in New Delhi.

Touted by Hyundai to be “the ultimate eco-friendly mobility solution”, FCEVs – like battery electric vehicles – do not develop greenhouse gasses or particulate matter. The Nexo comes with a 95kW fuel cell that powers an electric motor generating 161hp and 395Nm of peak torque. With a WLTP-certified range of 666km, a 0-100kph time of 9.2sec and a 177kph top speed, the Nexo is Hyundai’s technological flagship.

Besides the futuristic powertrain, the all-electric SUV also gets a suite of autonomous driving functions, at least in international markets. There’s a next-generation blind spot monitor, Lane Following Assist (LFA) and Highway Driving Assist (HDA) and a self-parking function. If the Nexo does come to India, it’ll likely be as a CBU and some of these functions may be disabled.

No one will mistake the Nexo for anything other than a Hyundai. The brand’s typical styling cues like the signature ‘cascading grille’ and raised SUV-like silhouette are all there. On the inside, the Nexo fuel cell vehicle features two LCD screens that combine to make a 12.3-inch display.

Hyundai already made its entry into the EV space with the Kona Electric, and is working on bringing a mass-market EV to India. The brand is also trying to build confidence in EVs in India by setting up adequate infrastructure and introducing a Vehicle to Vehicle charging facility.

Even as Hyundai is evaluating its green credentials in India, The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) has signed a memorandum of understanding with its Korean counterpart, Korea Automobile Manufacturers Association(KAMA). Signed by Rajan Wadhera, President, SIAM and Jeong Marn-Ki, President & CEO, KAMA , it institutionalised the framework for a cooperative dialogue between the two organisations to support each other’s efforts in promoting a sustainable, safe, clean, affordable and efficient automobile industry.