Hyundai Motor’s NEXO Fuel Cell, which is available for purchasing now, has received the ‘Alternative Energy Car Of The Year’ Award at the annual GQ Car Awards event.
The event was held digitally. The award was presented by English Michelin-starred chef, Tom Kerridge.
NEXO is the technological flagship of Hyundai’s increasing eco-vehicle fleet. Known as a ‘future utility vehicle’, it combines the practicality of an SUV crossover with advanced electrified technology, comprehensive driver assistance functions and innovative design functions.
Delivering best-in-class performance, while producing no tailpipe emissions apart from droplets of clean water, NEXO even purifies the air as it goes.
Ashley Andrew, MD of Hyundai Motor UK, said: “Thank you GQ for this important accolade! We are delighted with the recognition for our NEXO Fuel Cell vehicle and hydrogen as an alternative power source, which we believe will be integral to a more sustainable environment going forward. Since introducing the world’s first mass-produced fuel cell in 2013, we’ve worked hard to make the system smaller, lighter and stronger. As a result, our second-generation fuel cell, NEXO, has the world’s highest system efficiency.
“It’s a car that we really do see as being part of a cleaner future – with its five-minute fill-up time and best range within the fuel cell and EV car segment of 413 miles, NEXO offers a truly viable alternative to the combustion engine for everyday commuting and long drives.”
Hyundai NEXO’s fuel cell system combines oxygen and hydrogen in forming a flow of electrons that powers the electric drive motor and charges the 1.56kWh high voltage battery.
British GQ said: “Hydrogen has the potential to be a more efficient and practical automotive power source and that’s why we are giving Hyundai some much-deserved credit. At present their NEXO is one of only two hydrogen fuel cell cars available in the UK, and the South Korean company is boldly going where only a few manufacturers have gone before. We intend to support them all the way.”
On-sale now, priced at £69,495 ($94,987), NEXO is available in Premium SE specification which consists of autonomous driving capabilities like Remote Parking and other innovative convenience features such as Blind Spot View Monitor, as well as advanced active safety functions such as Lane Following Assist which automatically adjusts steering to help the driver to keep in the centre of the lane.
Hyundai is dedicated to fostering a clean energy transition, already providing the most diverse range of alternative fuel vehicles including hybrid, plug-in hybrid, pure electric, and fuel cell electric. The first car, IONIQ 5, from the new IONIQ sub-brand will launch shortly and is based on the new Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) platform, which will offer the foundation for Hyundai’s next generation EV line-ups. Hyundai Motor Group’s green portfolio will be boosted to 44 models by 2025, including 13 hybrids, six plug-in hybrid, 23 battery electric vehicles, and two fuel-cell electric vehicles.
Building upon Hyundai’s more than 20 years of experience in hydrogen fuel cell technology, Hyundai Motor Group has also introduced ‘HTWO’ – a new brand to represent the group’s world-leading hydrogen fuel cell system that will support the development of a next-generation hydrogen fuel cell system. The new system will be applied to different forms of mobility such as cars, trucks, UAM, vessels, and trains, with the intent to offer a highly efficient and diversified lineup of hydrogen-powered vehicles.
The winners of the GQ Car Awards 2021 were decided by the editorial team of British GQ. The full feature can be viewed in the March issue of British GQ, on sale 4 February.
