Hyundai NEXO Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle named a ‘game changer’ by Britain’s oldest motoring magazine, Autocar, at the annual Autocar awards, in recognition of its trail-blazing zero emissions hydrogen fuel cell technology.

Mark Tisshaw, Editor of Autocar, said: “Hyundai has become a world leader in advancing alternative fuel technologies, and developing them to production maturity before its rivals. Hot on the heels of its Kona Electric – arguably a game changer itself – Hyundai has quickly launched NEXO, a new, hydrogen-powered SUV. It’s the latest of several generations of hydrogen fuel cell Hyundais, launched while most car makers are still years behind.”

NEXO’s fuel cell electric power train offers the latest in fuel cell electric vehicle technology, with increased performance over its ix35 Fuel Cell predecessor. An on board electric motor produces 163PS, drawing power from an under-bonnet fuel cell stack, which combines oxygen from the surrounding air with hydrogen from NEXO’s high-pressure storage tanks. Consequently, the electricity powers the motor and charges the battery, producing water vapours, which harmlessly exit through the exhaust system.

NEXO also cleans the air of particulates, and has also been awarded the UL Bio Environmental Seal for its sustainable interior

With full tanks of hydrogen on board, NEXO is capable of travelling 414 miles (WLTP), before being able to refuel in just a few minutes.

Outside of its environmentally friendly power train, NEXO also has an advanced air purification system which filters 99.9% of fine dust (PM2.5). The vehicle shows the exact amount of air purified on the display panel in the car. NEXO has also been independently awarded the UL Bio Environmental Seal for the use of bio fibers from sugar cane waste and vegetable plasticisers in the headliner and carpet areas. Bio paint is extracted from rapeseed and soybean oils for the dashboard and centre console.

The Autocar ‘Game Changer’ awards are handed to cars that bring new, higher standards to a hard-fought class, or for defying conventions to bring unexpected benefit for buyers.