Electric cars equipped with a hydrogen fuel cell are a very rare sight on Britain’s roads. The new Hyundai Nexo is unlikely to change that situation, because of two crucial issues.

Firstly, there are only around a dozen hydrogen filling stations across the country, so some longer journeys would certainly need careful planning. That’s a shame, as the ability to refuel in just five minutes and a WLTP combined cycle range of 414 miles (666 kilometres) mean the Nexo is a lot more practical than any plug-in battery-electric vehicle.

Development of a UK hydrogen infrastructure won’t happen if there’s little prospect of significantly increased demand. Unfortunately, the Nexo isn’t going to provide the necessary impetus due to the second problem: its purchase price.

Hyundai is charging £65,995 for the Nexo Premium SE (the only available trim grade). That figure – which includes a £3,500 government subsidy deduction – will be unaffordable for most people. However, an entry-level Jaguar I-Pace costs a similar amount and a Tesla Model X is much dearer, therefore in the context of other zero-emission SUVs it’s arguably not excessive.

Nevertheless, volume expectations aren’t huge. Indeed, Hyundai Motor UK is handling all Nexo sales directly, thereby removing the brand’s franchised dealers from the process.

As previously disclosed, the Nexo’s fuel cell powertrain produces 160 bhp (120 kW / 163 PS) plus 395 Nm (291 lb/ft) of torque. Thanks partly a fairly hefty 1,874 kg (4,131 lbs) kerb weight, acceleration from rest to 62 mph (100 km/h) takes a leisurely 9.5 seconds and the top speed is 111 mph (179 km/h).


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