Nonetheless, the Mk2 Nexo is likely to come here, as Hyundai positions itself as a trailblazer for FCEVs.
Speaking at the company’s recent investor day, president and CEO Jaehoon Chang described it as a “chicken-and-egg issue”, comparing the industry’s mood to that around early electric cars.
He said: “We’re going to pioneer the uptake and lead the market. The market requires investment. Thirty years ago, when BEVs were launched, the same issues were mentioned: cost, where to charge and [whether it makes sense].”
To that end, the Mk2 Nexo will enter production next year, and Hyundai has strongly hinted that it will be followed by a road-going version of the N Vision 74 coupé concept that it unveiled two years ago.
The company is also working on several methods of hydrogen production, including manufacturing the element using waste biomass and plastics.
Hyundai isn’t alone in having made strong commitments to hydrogen cars.
Toyota, which has historically been the loudest proponent of FCEVs, is currently trialling a fleet of 10 converted Hiluxes in the UK. It also plans to enter the Le Mans 24 Hours’ future hydrogen-combustion class.
