Hydrogen has been a subject that has occupied Hyundai for a long time, since the Korean manufacturer offers the Nexo SUV, the only vehicle on the market with the Toyota Mirai, to run on hydrogen. The difference is that these models use the H2 in a fuel cell, to produce electricity. What we are talking about here is an almost traditional internal combustion engine, in which hydrogen actually serves as fuel. Coincidence or not, Hyundai joins ... Toyota on this track, the Japanese giant having announced a few months ago to develop a V8 hydrogen, perhaps to equip a future Lexus supercar.

Heavy duty applications

Major difference: the engine announced by Hyundai has a displacement of... 11 liters. It develops 400 hp and 1,700 Nm at 2,000 rpm. As you will have understood, the objective is to equip "big machines", such as construction machinery, trucks and buses. The manufacturer speaks of a cost reduction of 25 to 30% of the customer price compared to a fuel cell or a battery vehicle. Industrialization would indeed be very easy, since Hyundai could use its current engine factories, with very limited adaptations. This is why production could start as early as 2024, and reach mass production as early as 2025. Big engines first, then small engines?


  • Car
  • Hyundai
  • Hydrogen
  • Transport
  • Fuels
  • Energy transition