Hyundai Motor Company’s Jang Jae-hoon stated, “We will collaborate with any company, not just Toyota.”
Hyundai unveiled the concept car ‘IniSiium’ on the 31st for the first time. IniSiium, meaning ‘beginning’ in Latin, symbolizes a pioneer in opening a hydrogen society. The car embodies the dedication over 27 years to develop hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) led by Honorary Chairman Chung Mong-koo and continued by Chairman Chung Euisun.
Speaking at the ‘Clearly Committed’ event at Hyundai Motorstudio in Goyang, Jang emphasized, “Hydrogen is not only energy for future generations but also an accessible and fair energy.” He added, “Thanks to Hyundai’s unwavering belief in the value of hydrogen, we have been able to challenge ourselves for 27 years.”
IniSiium is a concept model that previews Hyundai’s passenger FCEV set to debut in the first half of next year. It incorporates Hyundai’s ‘Art of Steel’ design language, emphasizing the robust nature derived from steel’s elasticity to reflect the pure yet strong essence of hydrogen.
The lamp design features the symbol of Hyundai’s hydrogen value chain business brand, HTWO. IniSiium also boasts spacious interiors and differentiated features. According to Vice President Lee Sang-yup, “IniSiium is inspired by the potential of safe and clean hydrogen energy.”
Hyundai reports that IniSiium has an extended storage capacity for its hydrogen tank and aerodynamic wheels for a range of over 650 km. Enhancements in the fuel cell system and battery allow for a motor output of up to 150 kW. The vehicle also offers spacious rear seating and includes V2L capability for outdoor power supply.
Hyundai ventured into hydrogen with a dedicated R&D organization in 1998, showcasing its first FCEV in 2000, and successfully developed a domestically produced stack in 2004. By 2013, Hyundai had established a mass production system, introducing the Tucson ix Fuel Cell, followed by the launch of the Nexo in 2018.
The unwavering commitment to hydrogen was spurred in 2005 when Honorary Chairman Chung visited the Environmental Technology Institute, encouraging researchers to innovate without financial constraints. Chairman Chung Euisun continues this dedication, unveiling the HTWO grid vision at CES this year to provide comprehensive hydrogen solutions.
Hyundai highlighted the potential for collaborative hydrogen ventures with global car manufacturers. After the event, Jang remarked that there’s much to learn from Toyota regarding hydrogen and emphasized the necessity of collaborating not only with Toyota but any potential partners like General Motors. He noted that collaboration is essential in the hydrogen field.
Speculation is high that Hyundai’s first partner in hydrogen development might be Toyota, as Toyota has been investing in hydrogen since the 1970s. Recently, during an event hosted by Chung Euisun and Toyota Group’s Akio Toyoda, Toyota showcased hydrogen vehicles, hinting at potential collaboration.