“Intium” is a Latin word meaning “beginning” or “first,” representing Hyundai Motor’s status as a hydrogen energy pioneer and its commitment to develop a hydrogen society.
The brand’s recently unveiled “INITIUM” concept car provides a preview of a new production FCEV that Hyundai Motor plans to unveil in the first half of next year. The concept encapsulates the company’s 27 years of hydrogen technology development and reflects its clear commitment to achieving a sustainable hydrogen society, officials stated in a press release unveiling the new design.
The unique hydrogen fuel cell-powered SUV concept also marks the debut of Hyundai Motor’s new design language—called “Art of Steel”—embodying the character of HTWO, Hyundai Motor Group’s dedicated hydrogen value chain business brand, the release added.
“Hyundai Motor’s clear, unwavering commitment to hydrogen over the past 27 years is rooted in our belief in its potential as a clean, accessible and therefore fair energy source for everyone,” said Jaehoon Chang, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company. “We are dedicated to pioneering a future where hydrogen is used by everyone, in everything, and everywhere. We invite you to join us on this journey.”
INITIUM’s design integrates the HTWO symbol, representing Hyundai Motor’s vision for a future driven by hydrogen. The “+”-inspired graphic as part of INITIUM’s lighting signature blends with the bumper, creating a distinctive FCEV-specific design cue marked by unique lighting, solid volumes and refined elegance.
“Our challenge began from the manufacturing stage, where we pushed the formability of steel to the extreme to create a form of art,” said SangYup Lee, executive vice president and head of Hyundai and Genesis Global Design. “With INITIUM, we’ve crafted a more SUV-like design that is both solid and safe, reflecting our dedication to our customers through customer-centric design.”
The vehicle’s distinct SUV-like aesthetic seamlessly integrates city living functionality with outdoor adventure capability through its bold lines and solid structure, balancing sturdiness and sophistication, officials said. The concept’s 21-inch wheels complement the overall design, with the vehicle’s rugged roof rack adding practicality for those with both urban and outdoor lifestyles.
INITIUM’s development focused on three primary aspects—superior driving range and enhanced performance, which are key strengths of hydrogen cars; a spacious interior and luggage area, making it ideal for families; and unique convenience and safety features distinctive to hydrogen cars.
Hyundai Motor fitted INITIUM with aerodynamic wheels to reduce drag wrapped in low rolling resistance tires, for a targeted driving range of more than 400 miles between refueling (estimated driving range calculated with Hyundai Motor’s target fuel economy, when tested with 18-inch tire).
As for performance, INITIUM offers improved acceleration and smooth overtaking capability. By further developing Hyundai’s fuel cell technology, the company has increased the output of the stack and enhanced battery capacity, allowing for an electric motor output of up to 150kW.
Finally, INITIUM delivers “an impressive level of interior space and versatility suitable for a family SUV, with a large living space for second-row passengers that features seat backs with a large reclining angle for increased comfort,” the release stated.
A wide body and large rear door opening angle enhance convenience for rear-seat passengers when getting in and out of the car.
INITIUM includes a FCEV-specific route planner that addresses one of the biggest pain points for FCEV buyers: charging infrastructure. With this feature, users can easily plot an optimal route, finding charging stations along the way without having to access a separate app or make a phone call.
Hyundai Motor plans to showcase INITIUM at the Los Angeles Auto Show and Auto Guangzhou. The production version of the INITIUM concept is set to launch in the first half of 2025.
