Hyundai's Nexo Hydrogen Coming in 2025: India on the List?
Hyundai’s second-generation Nexo hydrogen fuel cell SUV has been making waves globally with its futuristic design and impressive 700 km range. But despite the fanfare, the big question remains—will Indian buyers actually see the Nexo in showrooms by 2025?
Hyundai has confirmed that the new Nexo will go on sale globally this year, boasting notable improvements over its predecessor. However, India’s underdeveloped hydrogen ecosystem and the high costs associated with fuel cell vehicles cast considerable doubt over any immediate plans for a domestic launch. Still, the Nexo stands out as a showcase of what clean mobility can achieve, both in terms of performance and sustainability.
Performance With a Purpose: The Tech Beneath the Skin
The 2025 Nexo features a refined powertrain that includes a 204 hp electric motor—40 hp more than the previous generation—working alongside a 110 kW fuel cell stack and a modest 2.64 kWh battery. This setup allows the SUV to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.8 seconds, a notable improvement over its earlier version. The hydrogen tank holds 6.69 kg of fuel, which translates to a remarkable range of over 700 kilometers on a single fill. Even more impressive is the refuelling time—just five minutes, rivaling the convenience of conventional petrol and diesel vehicles.
Designing Tomorrow: Style Meets Substance
On the outside, the new Nexo adopts a bold design language inspired by Hyundai’s Initium concept. It features H-shaped LED lighting, flush door handles, and aerodynamically efficient 18-inch wheels. The SUV has also grown in size, now measuring 4,750 mm in length and 1,865 mm in width, lending it a more substantial road presence.
A Cabin That Thinks Green
Step inside and the futuristic theme continues. The cabin houses twin 12.3-inch displays, camera-based side mirrors, and sustainable interior materials like bio-leather and recycled PET fabrics. A premium 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system adds to the luxury experience. Safety has also seen an upgrade, with the Nexo offering a multi-skeleton chassis, nine airbags—including protection around the hydrogen tank—and Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, such as lane-keeping assist and blind-spot monitoring.
India’s Hydrogen Journey: Yet to Begin in Earnest
While Hyundai has shown clear interest in bringing hydrogen mobility to India, the road ahead remains uncertain. The company first showcased the Nexo in India back in 2018 and again at the 2020 Auto Expo. Since then, it has initiated feasibility studies and even announced a ₹620 crore investment in Tamil Nadu aimed at developing a hydrogen ecosystem. This includes the creation of a technology hub in collaboration with IIT Madras. The Indian government, too, has taken preliminary steps by recognizing hydrogen as a viable automotive fuel and expressing interest in fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). Yet, despite this momentum, no firm timelines have been announced for a commercial rollout of the Nexo in India.
Hydrogen vs. EVs: Two Paths, One Goal
A broader comparison with electric vehicles (EVs) further highlights the challenges. While the Nexo offers rapid refuelling and a longer range than most battery EVs, its advantages are limited by the near non-existence of public hydrogen refuelling infrastructure in India. By contrast, EVs benefit from a rapidly expanding charging network and growing consumer familiarity. At present, India has only a handful of operational hydrogen stations, primarily serving industrial applications. Setting up a nationwide hydrogen network will require massive public and private investment.
Barriers That Still Need Breaking
Cost remains another major barrier. Globally, the Nexo is priced around ₹50–60 lakh, nearly double the cost of popular EVs like Hyundai’s own Ioniq 5. Hydrogen as a fuel is also considerably more expensive on a per-kilometer basis compared to petrol or electricity. Moreover, awareness of hydrogen technology among Indian consumers is still low, and concerns around the safety of hydrogen storage—though largely addressed by modern engineering—persist in the public imagination.
The Road Ahead: Fleets First, Mass Market Later?
Still, the Nexo represents a bold and inspiring direction for clean transportation. If it does arrive in India by late 2025, it’s likely to do so in a limited capacity—perhaps as part of pilot projects or government fleets. Mass-market adoption, however, appears to be several years away. Hyundai seems to recognize this reality and has accordingly committed ₹2,000 crore towards its battery EV strategy, including the upcoming Creta Electric, ensuring that it remains competitive in the Indian market regardless of hydrogen’s uncertain timeline.
Hydrogen’s Promise, India’s Patience
In the race toward sustainable mobility, hydrogen holds immense potential. But for India to move from feasibility studies to fuel cell highways, it will take more than vision—it will require patient execution, robust policy support, and a shared commitment to long-term innovation. The Nexo might not be a common sight on Indian roads just yet, but it’s certainly a glimpse into the future.