Katerina Swanson
The Hyundai Nexo is a hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicle, which means it uses hydrogen as fuel instead of needing to be plugged in like most EVs. The Nexo's hydrogen tanks can be refuelled in around five minutes, providing up to 380 miles of emissions-free driving. However, the availability of hydrogen refuelling stations is limited, with most stations clustered around the Bay Area and the greater Los Angeles/Orange County region in California. This limited infrastructure has resulted in inflated fuel costs, with some users reporting long wait times at refuelling stations. To offset these costs, Hyundai offers incentives such as complimentary hydrogen fuel for the first three years or $13,000-$15,000 worth of fuel, as well as free rental cars for a certain number of days each year.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type | Hydrogen |
| Fuel Cell | 95-kW |
| Battery Pack | 40-kWh |
| Horsepower | 161 |
| Pound-feet of torque | 291 |
| Zero-to-60-mph | 8.4 seconds |
| Cruising Range | 380 miles |
| Fuel Refill Time | 5 minutes |
| Fuel Economy | 61 MPGe (combined rating) |
| Fuel Cost | High |
| Free Hydrogen Fuel | Up to $13,000-$15,000 worth of fuel for 3 years or 6 years |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Hydrogen fuel costs more than other fuel options
The Hyundai Nexo is a hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle, which means it uses a fuel cell to convert hydrogen into electricity, powering an electric motor. The main benefit of the Nexo is that it offers environmentally friendly transportation with up to 380 miles of emissions-free driving between refills. However, the availability of hydrogen refuelling stations is limited, and they are hard, if not impossible, to find outside of California.
The cost of hydrogen fuel is significantly higher than that of gasoline. In 2021, hydrogen retailed at $8.50 to $10.80 per kg, which is two to three times higher than gasoline prices. In 2022, hydrogen fuel cost three times more per mile than gasoline hybrids and two times more than conventional gasoline vehicles. The retail price of hydrogen in California has been even higher, at approximately $14 per kg since 2014, equivalent to $14 per gallon of gasoline. In 2025, hydrogen prices in California rose even further, retailing above $32 per kg.
The high cost of hydrogen fuel is a challenge for fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) and has led to customer dissatisfaction. The per-mile fueling costs for FCVs are three to four and a half times higher than those of gasoline and hybrid vehicles. This has been exacerbated by the limited availability of hydrogen refuelling stations and the long wait times to refuel due to breakdowns and supply issues.
While hydrogen fuel has the advantage of being environmentally friendly and quick to refuel, the high cost of hydrogen fuel compared to other fuel options is a significant drawback. The lack of a widespread hydrogen refuelling infrastructure also makes FCVs unreliable for many consumers.
Lucrative Careers: Fueler and Truck Washer Wages Explored
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Refuelling the Hyundai Nexo takes around five minutes
The Hyundai Nexo is a hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicle. It is currently the only hydrogen fuel-cell EV crossover sold in California. The Nexo's tanks can be refuelled in around five minutes, which is significantly faster than recharging an electric vehicle. This provides up to 380 miles of emissions-free driving between refills.
However, the Nexo is limited by a nearly non-existent infrastructure, with hydrogen fuelling stations hard to come by outside of California. Even in California, where the majority of hydrogen fuelling stations are located, there are reports of long lines and breakdowns at stations.
The cost of hydrogen fuel is also high, due to the expense of its generation and delivery. However, Hyundai provides incentives to buyers of the Nexo, including up to $15,000 in complimentary hydrogen fuel for three years for lessees or up to six years for buyers. This helps to offset the high cost of hydrogen fuel.
The Nexo is a well-equipped, premium SUV with a smooth drive and an amazing sound system. It is a compelling alternative to a traditional EV, especially for those who need to park their vehicles on the street or don't have access to a charger.
Boeing 747 Fuel Consumption: Burning Through the Dollars
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Hyundai offers free hydrogen fuel for three years
The Hyundai Nexo is a hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle. It uses a fuel cell to convert hydrogen into electricity, which powers an electric motor making 161 horsepower and 291 lb-ft of torque. The car offers an environmentally friendly mode of transportation with up to 380 miles of emissions-free driving between refills. However, the availability of hydrogen refuelling stations is limited, especially outside of California, which can make it challenging for Nexo owners to find places to refuel their vehicles.
To address this issue and incentivize the adoption of its hydrogen fuel cell technology, Hyundai offers a complimentary hydrogen fuel programme for Nexo owners. When purchasing or leasing a new Nexo, customers receive an H2 Fuel Card, also known as the NEXO card, valid for three years or up to $13,000 or $15,000 worth of fuel, whichever comes first. This fuel card can be used at certified retail hydrogen stations in California, providing a financial benefit to early adopters of this technology.
The NEXO card is exclusive to new Nexo owners and is not transferable. The three-year validity period for the card begins when the owner takes delivery of their vehicle. To obtain the card, customers need to follow the instructions provided via email by their dealer after purchasing or leasing the vehicle. The card typically arrives within 2-3 business days of completing the order process.
In addition to the complimentary fuel offer, Hyundai provides other incentives for Nexo owners. These include free rental cars for up to seven days each year during the first three years of ownership and access to single-occupant carpool lanes. These perks aim to enhance the ownership experience and mitigate the challenges posed by the limited hydrogen refuelling infrastructure.
While the Hyundai Nexo offers innovative hydrogen fuel cell technology and a smooth driving experience, the scarcity of hydrogen refuelling stations has been a point of contention for some owners. The availability and reliability of these stations vary, and the cost of hydrogen fuel can be high. However, Hyundai's complimentary fuel programme and other incentives aim to alleviate some of these concerns and encourage the adoption of this environmentally friendly vehicle.
The 737's Fuel Capacity: How Much Does It Hold?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Hydrogen fuel stations are hard to find
The Hyundai Nexo is a hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) that can be fuelled in around five minutes and offers up to 380 miles of emissions-free driving between refills. However, finding hydrogen fuel stations can be challenging, and this issue has been cited as a significant drawback of the Nexo.
While Hyundai provides complimentary hydrogen fuel for the first three years or $13,000 worth of fuel (whichever comes first), the scarcity of hydrogen fuel stations can make it difficult for Nexo owners to take advantage of this perk. As of 2024, there are only 54 retail hydrogen stations in the United States, with most of them concentrated in California. This limited infrastructure means that for those outside of California, finding a hydrogen fuel station can be extremely difficult. For example, a user on Reddit reported that they purchased their Nexo in the Sacramento region when there were three operational stations, but as of their post, only one station remains, functioning about 50% of the time. This has resulted in long wait times, with some users reporting having to wait in line for fuel for several hours.
The lack of hydrogen fuel stations is a significant drawback for the Hyundai Nexo, especially for those living outside of California. This issue has been acknowledged by Hyundai Nexo owners, with some expressing disappointment and frustration over their inability to fuel their vehicles due to the limited infrastructure.
Efforts are being made to expand hydrogen fuelling infrastructure. The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) established a National Alternative Fuels Corridors grant program in 2022 to address the challenge of station availability. Additionally, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 provides incentives for projects with low lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by offering a tax credit of up to $3 per kilogram of hydrogen.
Despite these efforts, the current reality is that hydrogen fuel stations are still hard to find outside of select markets like California. This situation may improve as consumer demand for FCEVs increases and the business case for building more stations becomes more compelling. However, for now, potential buyers of the Hyundai Nexo should carefully consider the availability of hydrogen fuel stations in their region before making a purchase decision.
Fuel Filter Costs for Your Motorhome F-350
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Hydrogen fuel stations are unreliable
The Hyundai Nexo is a hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle that can be refuelled at a station in about five minutes. However, the availability of hydrogen fuel stations is currently limited, with most of the 74 stations in the US being in California. This limited infrastructure can make it challenging and unreliable for Nexo owners to find a functioning hydrogen fuel station when needed.
For example, a user on Reddit shared their experience of purchasing a Nexo in the Sacramento region when there were three operational stations and plans to open more. However, within a few months, only one station remained, functioning about 50% of the time. As a result, the wait time for refuelling could take several hours. This situation is not unique, as another user on the same thread mentioned that they had encountered similar issues with hydrogen fuel scarcity and unreliable stations. They also noted that even when a station has hydrogen, breakdowns are frequent, leading to long wait times.
The limited availability and reliability of hydrogen fuel stations can impact the overall reliability of the Nexo as a vehicle. This issue is particularly prominent outside of California, where hydrogen fuelling stations are hard, if not impossible, to find. This lack of infrastructure can make it challenging for Nexo owners to refuel their vehicles, potentially limiting their driving range and convenience.
While Hyundai offers complimentary hydrogen fuel for the first three years or up to $13,000 or $15,000 worth of fuel, the scarcity and unreliability of hydrogen fuel stations can still be a significant drawback for Nexo owners. It is important for consumers to consider the availability of hydrogen fuel stations in their local area before purchasing a hydrogen-powered vehicle like the Nexo to ensure a more reliable fuelling experience.
Iceland's Fuel Prices: A Costly Surprise
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The cost of hydrogen fuel for the Hyundai Nexo varies depending on location and supply chain issues. However, hydrogen is generally a costly fuel option due to the high costs of generation and delivery.
Hyundai provides up to $13,000 to $15,000 in complimentary hydrogen fuel for three years for lessees or up to six years for buyers.
The Nexo Blue has a combined rating of 61 MPGe (65 city/58 highway), while the Nexo Limited is rated at 57 MPGe (59 city/54 highway). The Nexo can drive up to 380 miles between refills.
Refueling the Nexo's 13.8-gallon tank takes about five minutes, which is much quicker than recharging a battery-powered electric vehicle.
The Hyundai Nexo is currently only available in California due to the limited hydrogen fuel infrastructure in the United States. Most refueling stations are clustered around the Bay Area and the greater Los Angeles/Orange County region.
