I watch a lot of automotive review channels, but this is one of my favorites. I really appreciate his straight up / "Just the facts Ma'am" delivery, without all the inside jokes, unnecessary theatrics, and the obligatory "buddy banter" that you get on a lot of the other channels. *Not that there's anything wrong with that!*
Hyundai is really pulling out all the stops and hitting hard in every segment.. it's one of the best looking, practical and least compromised hydrogen vehicles i have seen period..
You have outdone even yourself Alex! Thanks for the extra segment on explaining the fuel cell and refilling the hydrogen tank! You are simply the most informative car reviewer anywhere right now.
Alex seriously needs to be nominated for his outstanding work that he contributes to this platform with an award. That Jerk Doug doesn't deserve to have a spot on Carscoops or be a recommendation on this site. Savage Geese is also brilliant.
E M1 couldn’t agree more, Alex for pure information and analysis, savage for the in the shop segment where he looks under the car and his more unfiltered opinion about the design and driving experience. I would still put Alex on top, but everyone else besides these two really pales in comparison.
@@Ethan7s The others are "fillers" while Motorman is way too verbal and philosophical for such a channel. I refuse to watch Doug, just too weird and a show off with no real content.
@@EM.1. Well Savage just did softcore porn on the Mazda 3's dead pedal, so now he's in the running for first place. Joking aside, other than Doug, the others are still worth a watch if you like cars and have time on your hands. And I know he's not trying to be, but somehow Doug just comes off as extremely annoying.
I have a theory that Doug is generating a lot of fake views. There is no way that 500,000 people watch him talk about a Dodge truck in 2 days. There is some techno fakery going on here that is generating him a lot of money.
Dear Alex - thank you for the review on the NEXO - I got mine two months ago and I love it! I leased it for 3 years - and it has pleasantly surprised me. I get much better range than predicted - I am averaging 390 miles range - much more than the predicted 354. Previously I had a Toyota Mirai - which was great but range too short. NEXO is a great overall car and I hope that it will help others interested in H2 autos. Thank you!
Holy Moley. I watch hundreds of reviews... on all kinds of vehicles. That was the best review I have ever seen for any car. Fluid and informative (and fast) as hell, I learned so much about this car and fuel cells I can't believe it was 30 minutes. Went by in a flash. This looks amazing for the price if you live in California, especially L.A. It really offers a lot. I want one. Thank you Alex.
Your presentation of the Hyundai Nexo makes me want to buy this car over other EV vehicles because 1. I am close to a hydrogen fuel source, 2. I need a permanent car pool sticker, 3. I need a vehicle with lots of cargo (29.6 ft³, 56.5 ft³ with seat area) which is similar to Mitsubishi Outlander (30.4 ft³, 66.6 ft³ with seat area), 4. the interior looks very nice and buttons are easy to navigate ,5. I hate long charge times (and sometimes hard to find a charging station) and 6. it's a cross -over. Very nice!
Nice Job. I have one of these Unicorns, and I like it. I didn't own a car for 15 years, and I don't need one really except to get to work on Sunday when the trains start running an hour late for me. I am still learning about the semi-autonomous systems in my Nexo: Forward Collision-avoidance Assist, Blind Spot Collision-avoidance Assist, Rear Cross-traffic Collision-avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Leading Vehicle Departure Alert, and I'm not kidding about the FCA, BSCA, RCCA, LKA, LFA, DAW, SCC, and LVDA. That's what they call them in the manual. My favorite feature is the Auto Hold, where at a stoplight you don't have to keep your foot on the brake.
Alex is undoubtedly the best car reviewer on UA-cam Glad he reviewed a hydrogen car and seems to me it looks great and could be an alternative if the technology advances
From an Alex to another Alex, this was perhaps the best auto review Ive seen. The whole hydrogen concept is awesome. Hyundai seems to have done a great job. Your explanation of the Hydrogen system was excellent. I want one of these things now! Send them to Puerto Rico! Thank you for the video!
I test drove this car in Los Angeles a couple of days ago, loved it, and was interested in leasing it. My local dealer had no interest in leasing the car at the National advertised rate at $3k down $399 + tax. They wanted $5k down and $699 a month + tax!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Basically they said they were to only dealer in town with these cars and wanted a major mark up. If they actually get over MSRP on this car, It will be the only Hyundai in the history of the company they will get over much less MSRP on any car they have ever made or will ever make.
Great review - thanks Alex. I have 3,000 miles on my Nexo Limited. It is a really excellent vehicle, and surpasses the Mirai I leased for 3 years. The Nexo (even in the Limited trim) is getting 370-380 miles of range. My Mirai never got above 260. The Nexo has a lot more space, drives quieter and has a better overall road feel. Plus it is loaded with tech.
I love this vehicle! Here in Korea, thanks to government rebates, we only pay about 32K US for the top trim of this car. However, there is no hydrogen card rebate, which makes it very expensive to run. Still, it's an interesting alternative!
A definite thank you for the fuel cell explanation and straight delivery. As for fuel cell vehicles vs. EV, I think that isn't much of a question while stations are basically within EV range. The only advantage I see for fuel cell is if you drive a ton of miles every day; if you drive under a couple hundred miles it's far more convenient to just 'fill up' at home. And if you drive too far in an EV you can still refuel even if it has to be off of a 120V. Sure, it takes a while, but go too far in a fuel cell vehicle and you'll have to be towed. All that could change, though, if fuel cell vehicles take off....and prices for hydrogen come waaay down. The fuel subsidy helps, sure, but I definitely wouldn't buy a fuel cell vehicle when I might have to pay those prices when the subsidy goes away.
Another great video, thanks Alex. However, I wish u mentioned something about the process of compressing the Hydrogen and storing it. In my opinion, that is a lot of energy consumed, cost and risk that falls in the Cons column big time.
I think an EV with a big battery and a hydrogen fuel cell as a "range extender" would be really cool. It would be nice having 300 miles of battery range and another 300 miles of hydrogen range.
All difficult to use. What we need is water's hydrogen gas fueled car. Water is plentiful, cheap, and everywhere. Water molecule is H2O and by separating hydrogen gas from oxygen, the combustible hydrogen gas can be used in internal combustion engine.
Great review as always Alex, and you always find the best way to explain the tech and detail the features. Unfortunately, this vehicle makes horrible sense right now in southern CA, because H2 stations are really few and far between and you have to hunt for one that is operational. Many complain that they arrive to a station that is empty or malfunctioning. Also, it should be fair to consider the economics after the fuel card is empty. Fill ups will cost about $90 per! It’s now a new form of range and wallet anxiety. If you drive 1500 miles a month, it will cost you about $400-500 per month to operate. Not the best case scenario and is far more expensive than an ICE or BEV to operate.
Great video, love the vehicle. Also love H2 technology as it provides similar lifestyle to gasoline vehicles. Problem is it will take a LONG time before H2 or EV refilling options are available ubiquitously in middle America/rural areas. There are other concerns as well, but it is really cool to see an actual hydrogen fuel cell vehicle that I'd love to have (Hyundai did a great job on it) - if I could only, just, refill it. LOL But well done sir, thanks for the in-dept explanations and comparisons too.
It's our future, but many will give excuses about cost and convenience now.. but if we don't put the investment in time engineering, etc...we will never improve! Truth is.... their are too many invested in oil and gas industry to suppress the better things for everyone.
Nice review! You did a great job explaining this complex topic while keeping it brief and entertaining. FYI, Tesla is beta testing a new v3 Supercharger that charges a Model 3 at up to 250kW. Charging speed tapers pretty quickly, but it's still a big speed boost. I don't know how it compares to hydrogen fueling speed.
My personal favorite car review channels with facts and info is Alex and Savagegeese. Savagegeese goes a bit more in detail about the engine and transmission while alex talks about the car in general and its competition. Atleast thats how I see it.
I think hydrogen is the future. As a city dweller, I can't imagine more than a handful of people rocking plug-in electric cars. Currently, the few hip owners of electric cars can have the chargers all to themselves, but charging will be an issue if/when more people drive electric cars. Very few people here in NYC have garages.
@kevinmsft, I live in NYC and I disagree. It's always a struggle to find street parking. Most families in Brooklyn and Queens, where i'm most familiar with, have multiple cars.
Also don't forget that when there is greater demand for electricity from more people owning electric vehicles, you will see electricity prices increase dramatically. Of course that's going to be the same no matter what fuel you use, but the idea that electrics will continue to be cheaper to run is false. Not to mention that everything else in your house will cost more because of the higher electricity cost, not just the electricity that goes to fuel your car
I have drove ICE cars/trucks for many decades. Recently got a Tesla Model 3. Really liked the simplistic tablet control without all of the dedicated buttons. Also liked the 130 MPGe. I'm also interested in FCEV and hope to see infrastructure and MPGe improvements. For now BEV is a clear winner.
Hyundai would dominate the hydrogen market if they could make a hydrogen plug-in variant. Imagine charging at your house, leaving for a road trip, stopping at a local hydrogen station(infrastructure willing), and continuing for another 380 miles.
The video shows 2kg of H70 at 4 minutes. So 100-120 mi of driving in 4 minutes? It's faster than battery charging for now, but not that much so. Looks like the battery charging rates are catching up to hydrogen fill rates. Also: only front wheel drive? Doesn't look like they solved all the packaging issues then.
I still think BEVs are the future... Currently I have Nissan LEAF and hope to get Hyundai Kona Electric or Kia Niro EV... It's BEV only for me... no hydrogen... seems too inconvenient to have to fill up at H2 station, like a gas station, and there's no H2 stations near me (in WA).
Hydrogen can be inconvenient. It takes longer to fill up than people are told because if your pump has to rebalance the pressurized tanks, you can easily be waiting for 15 min to fill up your 250 mile vehicle and the cost of hydrogen is ridiculously expensive if you have to pay that out of pocket. I am missing the point of how this is an advantage other than it being clean tech. It also isn't particular fun to drive either. Their could be a purpose of hydrogen, but I think it has a long way to go.
No offense to you Alex or this vehicle manufacturer... but I would choose Honda, or Second Toyota offers based on their normal cars reliability and driving dynamics...and whenever Mr Honda failed..he always found a way to drastically improve far beyond competition.
Like everybody says, Alex rocks! I don't, however, understand his choice of car. I would rather wait 20 minutes for a charge instead of not having a place to charge to begin with. Plus I can't get over my fear of hydrogen, that thing is stupidly flammable and its flame is hard to see.
To put the capacity of the battery into perspective wrt regen, I have gone down the grapevine (heading into the central valley) and that results in a total of 1kWh from top to bottom, so it needs to be something bigger than that to exceed the capacity of the battery.
Alex: Huge respect for your thoughtful, detailed and largely accurate on the H2 piece here. However, please consider how the H2 industry has long referred to power train configurations as you formulate your comparisons. A vehicle like a Nexo is not properly thought of as a battery EV with a different battery. It is a hybrid, correctly called a "fuel cell hybrid," with a different kind of fuel. One other thought: As you try (and it is hard - I feel you!) comparing the system efficiencies - with pure EV vs H2, you must consider the source of the E in EV (the well part). And, please, self-discharge: in both batteries and H2 tanks. Inactive (not driven for days), the batteries in an EV can reduce efficiency via self-discharge. Disclaimer: This can also be true with some H2 storage schemes (liquid especially, but also high pressure gas and solid metal hydride). All, systems and technologies, including carbon fuels, face these complex and interconnected factors. It makes the head spin faster than those weird rim things that people stick on their wheels! To be clear: I largely agree with your conclusions. I just think the factors I mentioned brings EV real world efficiency (and greenness) down a notch making H2 a closer competitor. When you add in that fueling experience (fast - clean and convenient), the case for H2 is compelling, if still 100% unconvincing. I say that only because of the incredible strides made in very high voltage EV recharging systems. There are really fast/practical systems on the way (Porsche - I'm looking at you!)
They should make a plug in hybrid hydrogen version, where you trickle use the hydrogen as needed or for longer trips, and just plug in every night at home to keep the large battery full for basic everyday use.
Enjoyed the video. I have the Honda Clarity Fuel Cell and live in Southern California. You alluded to being able to drive to Las Vegas and back from Southern California. Currently that’s not possible with the current station locations. Perhaps in the future. 😀
Hi Alex, do you think that manufactures are deliberately making gas tank size's smaller and cruising ranges shorter in an effort to give new EVs and H2 vehicles less competition? It just seems like as fuel millage go's up gas tank sizes go down. In the past some of our cars could go from Indianapolis to Atlanta without stopping for fuel, just under 500 miles.
You don't see the range drop in cold weather, precisely because of the heat that the fuel cell emits. That heat is the difference in efficiency between a fuel cell and the BEVs that you refer to, but in cold weather the fuel cell simply uses the waste heat for the cabin, thus preserving the range. While it does have a PTC for the cabin that is used to "top up" the cabin temperature. Since the waste heat is used for the cabin the efficiency of a fuel cell matches the efficiency of a BEV in cold weather.
interesting car.... great review thanks man i just dont get why make this car if its not as efficient as electric/hybrid. is it because its lighter and cheaper??
I am really thinking of buying it after watching your video. I took a test drive and it was awesome. Did you end up buying one( it’s been 2 years since you made this video) ? Lots have changed
Wow, do I wish that car was available in PA. By far my favorite vehicle and I can’t buy it! I don’t see why not having a hydrogen infrastructure is such a high hurdle. Why wait for some third party to develop the key ingredient (H2 stations) to making their product work? Can’t Hyundai sell me a home H2 generation appliance and storage tank? I would gladly pay Hyundai extra to have someone come to my home and install one. Its only input is electricity and water from a hose. In addition, Hyundai should incentivize each of it’s dealerships to install a small, one-pump station. The dealerships are spaced far enough from each other to make them somewhat ubiquitous. Plus, it’ll be a smart way to keep their customers coming back regularly. Apple does everything it can do to keep their customers within the Apple ecosystem by forcing customers to come back for most their accessories. They don’t mind because it’s convenient. Car companies haven’t figured out that bringing their customers back to the dealerships to do something as simple as filling up every 350 miles may be a GOOD thing for long-term relationships, and ultimately, sales. Ugh. I want that car.
It's the only up-to-date fuel cell vehicle you can buy today. The Toyota Mirai is somehow outdated already, but there will come a new version. Thankfully the Nexo is really attractive, but a bit expensive. 2:45 Red turning signals? Look at the other side?
Alex What is your opinion on all the buttons that are horizontal? I see one coffee spill and lots of problems like a laptop keyboard. Dirt and just gravity will gum up all those buttons in short time. They do take away from storage as well.
Only hydrogen stations are found in California - so if you live in LA or SF you may make it work out for you... otherwise, not worth it - no network of refueling / refilling up on gas in any other state.
One thing to note, fuel cell tanks have an expiration date. So we don't know how much will it cost to replace those tanks. I believe that's why Honda wants all Clarity FC's back, well before the tanks expire.
In terms of going green, you need to factor in the mining, shipping and manufacturing process of batteries. You would also need to factor in batteries not last as long and the energy that it will take to dismantle and recycle the batteries to make new batteries. The process of making hydrogen is getting better, more efficient and cheaper due to economy of scale.
Physically possible but economically nonsensical. Two entirely different system types, including fuel sources. Different braking requirements and centres of gravity etc etc.
Honestly, i have a Hyundai Kona Electric and I can go coast to coast without adding more than an hour total travel time. By changing where we stop for restroom and food breaks to locations with DC Fast Chargers and picking hotels with Level 2 EVSEs. Can also potentially travel cost being 1/4 of gas or once EV Passport launches $39 for a month worth of unlimited charging. I have paid all of a out $15 for Charing for over 5,000 miles of driving. There is no way the fuel cell can ever make up the higher price compared to the $25,000 I paid for the EV used.
If you were taking it on a long trip where there were no hydrogen stations, or wanted to buy one and didnt live near hydrogen stations, could you put the hydrogen in a tank and take it with you? Or is there another way to buy the hydrogen and store it at your house?
I see in the past few days that two hydrogen stations have blown up in Norway and US. Toyota and Hyundai have stopped all hydrogen model sales and all 160 hydrogen filling stations have been closed. I’ll stick to an EV future.
filling up with hydrogen is to long for me to handle at this point, plus they have no stations here in the north east. but that hydrogen card would make me seriously consider it if we had a small network of stations.
Watch for Hyundai to come out with a new battery system where you just pull up at any Hyundai or Kia dealer, they exchange your spent battery with a fully charged one in 5 minutes or less and off you go for $25. That will kill the competition.
Exactly! I’ve always thought that this was the most viable option to make electric cars as convenient as gas ones. Except that ALL electric vehicles should have a “standardized battery” that slides in and out (kinda like how we had VHS and CDs), and this would be done at your local gas station (manufacturers would have agreements / setups for this)
No, existing batteries are currently too difficult to exchange. New designs will come out with redesigned batteries that are suitable for instant plug-and-go service. You will buy one new battery with the car then exchange it every time your battery charge is depleted. You won't have to be concerned about replacing your battery for the life of the vehicle. Hyundai/Kia will take care of recharging and repairing or replacing faulty batteries.
electricity to charge your tesla is not green either. It too comes from whatever source made it. You must compare apples to apples. How much energy is spent to produce electricity in a power plant? Hydrogen is not an energy source in and of itself, anymore than electricity is an energy source. It is a medium for energy. It is only a way to store it. The difference with hydrogen, is that unlike storing it in a battery, range is no longer an issue and you can refuel in a couple of minutes, not 12 hours. Another great thing about Hydrogen is that any gas station can sell it. Just like they sell propane or natural gas. They just have to get the tanks installed. So the infrastructure is already there in every existing gas station. Also, the cost you quote for electricity assumes that no changes to the power grid are necessary. That is today's price for electricity when almost nobody has a battery charged vehicle. But if you add 263 million cars to the US electric grid, the grid could not handle that load and therefore the cost of electricity would have to go way, way up. One more thing, you referred to this as a hydrogen vehicle vs an electric vehicle. This is an electric vehicle. All vehicles will eventually be electric. You meant to say a hydrogen vehicle vs a battery vehicle. The difference is how the electricity is produced - one produces it from a battery, one produces it from a fuel cell.
I watch a lot of automotive review channels, but this is one of my favorites. I really appreciate his straight up / "Just the facts Ma'am" delivery, without all the inside jokes, unnecessary theatrics, and the obligatory "buddy banter" that you get on a lot of the other channels.
*Not that there's anything wrong with that!*
Alex is a pro. I, actually, bought a car after his review. Because of facts he brought up
@@forty-second No doubt about it; Alex knows his stuff.
I come here for the cars. The buddy banter and comedy at the other sites is 3rd rate at best.
@@forty-second same here, Dodge Durango.
Hyundai is really pulling out all the stops and hitting hard in every segment.. it's one of the best looking, practical and least compromised hydrogen vehicles i have seen period..
You have outdone even yourself Alex!
Thanks for the extra segment on explaining the fuel cell and refilling the hydrogen tank!
You are simply the most informative car reviewer anywhere right now.
Love the sass about those buttons too! :)
Alex seriously needs to be nominated for his outstanding work that he contributes to this platform with an award. That Jerk Doug doesn't deserve to have a spot on Carscoops or be a recommendation on this site. Savage Geese is also brilliant.
E M1 couldn’t agree more, Alex for pure information and analysis, savage for the in the shop segment where he looks under the car and his more unfiltered opinion about the design and driving experience.
I would still put Alex on top, but everyone else besides these two really pales in comparison.
@@Ethan7s The others are "fillers" while Motorman is way too verbal and philosophical for such a channel. I refuse to watch Doug, just too weird and a show off with no real content.
@@EM.1. Well Savage just did softcore porn on the Mazda 3's dead pedal, so now he's in the running for first place.
Joking aside, other than Doug, the others are still worth a watch if you like cars and have time on your hands.
And I know he's not trying to be, but somehow Doug just comes off as extremely annoying.
I have a theory that Doug is generating a lot of fake views. There is no way that 500,000 people watch him talk about a Dodge truck in 2 days. There is some techno fakery going on here that is generating him a lot of money.
@@b4804514 Didn't even cross my mind before, but now that you mention it, it does seem fishy!
I really like the interior. I actually think the vast array of buttons in the central stack is quite appealing.
Feel the same. Buttons are cool and to me less distracting than a screen.
It has a sort of retro-modern StarTrek feel. I like it!
Just really like how you go through everything. As an automotive fan, I really appreciate the work you put in.
Dear Alex - thank you for the review on the NEXO - I got mine two months ago and I love it! I leased it for 3 years - and it has pleasantly surprised me. I get much better range than predicted - I am averaging 390 miles range - much more than the predicted 354. Previously I had a Toyota Mirai - which was great but range too short. NEXO is a great overall car and I hope that it will help others interested in H2 autos. Thank you!
Bounced around different auto review channels, this is the best!
Holy Moley. I watch hundreds of reviews... on all kinds of vehicles. That was the best review I have ever seen for any car. Fluid and informative (and fast) as hell, I learned so much about this car and fuel cells I can't believe it was 30 minutes. Went by in a flash. This looks amazing for the price if you live in California, especially L.A. It really offers a lot. I want one. Thank you Alex.
Alex!.. the rest are just fancy bulshitters... Great job and dedication bro!
Your presentation of the Hyundai Nexo makes me want to buy this car over other EV vehicles because 1. I am close to a hydrogen fuel source, 2. I need a permanent car pool sticker, 3. I need a vehicle with lots of cargo (29.6 ft³, 56.5 ft³ with seat area) which is similar to Mitsubishi Outlander (30.4 ft³, 66.6 ft³ with seat area), 4. the interior looks very nice and buttons are easy to navigate ,5. I hate long charge times (and sometimes hard to find a charging station) and 6. it's a cross -over. Very nice!
Excellent review, Alex! I wish hydrogen stations were more abundant in the states. This would be a dream car for me.
Nice Job. I have one of these Unicorns, and I like it. I didn't own a car for 15 years, and I don't need one really except to get to work on Sunday when the trains start running an hour late for me. I am still learning about the semi-autonomous systems in my Nexo: Forward Collision-avoidance Assist, Blind Spot Collision-avoidance Assist, Rear Cross-traffic Collision-avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Leading Vehicle Departure Alert, and I'm not kidding about the FCA, BSCA, RCCA, LKA, LFA, DAW, SCC, and LVDA. That's what they call them in the manual. My favorite feature is the Auto Hold, where at a stoplight you don't have to keep your foot on the brake.
Alex is undoubtedly the best car reviewer on UA-cam
Glad he reviewed a hydrogen car and seems to me it looks great and could be an alternative if the technology advances
I have learned more this time than I've ever learned on any explanation of fuel cells thank you Alec may God continue to bless you
From an Alex to another Alex, this was perhaps the best auto review Ive seen. The whole hydrogen concept is awesome. Hyundai seems to have done a great job. Your explanation of the Hydrogen system was excellent. I want one of these things now! Send them to Puerto Rico! Thank you for the video!
BUTTONS!!!! BUTTONSSSSSS!!! YES! BRING THE 80s BACK, PLEASE! i miss buttons!!!
I test drove this car in Los Angeles a couple of days ago, loved it, and was interested in leasing it. My local dealer had no interest in leasing the car at the National advertised rate at $3k down $399 + tax. They wanted $5k down and $699 a month + tax!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Basically they said they were to only dealer in town with these cars and wanted a major mark up. If they actually get over MSRP on this car, It will be the only Hyundai in the history of the company they will get over much less MSRP on any car they have ever made or will ever make.
The first one shipped in February so be patient and it'll come down. Same thing happened to the Clarity.
Great review - thanks Alex. I have 3,000 miles on my Nexo Limited. It is a really excellent vehicle, and surpasses the Mirai I leased for 3 years. The Nexo (even in the Limited trim) is getting 370-380 miles of range. My Mirai never got above 260. The Nexo has a lot more space, drives quieter and has a better overall road feel. Plus it is loaded with tech.
It's not for everyone, but no vehicle is. Gotta say, the science is fascinating! Kudos to the early adopters and test pilots
I love this vehicle! Here in Korea, thanks to government rebates, we only pay about 32K US for the top trim of this car. However, there is no hydrogen card rebate, which makes it very expensive to run. Still, it's an interesting alternative!
A definite thank you for the fuel cell explanation and straight delivery. As for fuel cell vehicles vs. EV, I think that isn't much of a question while stations are basically within EV range. The only advantage I see for fuel cell is if you drive a ton of miles every day; if you drive under a couple hundred miles it's far more convenient to just 'fill up' at home.
And if you drive too far in an EV you can still refuel even if it has to be off of a 120V. Sure, it takes a while, but go too far in a fuel cell vehicle and you'll have to be towed. All that could change, though, if fuel cell vehicles take off....and prices for hydrogen come waaay down. The fuel subsidy helps, sure, but I definitely wouldn't buy a fuel cell vehicle when I might have to pay those prices when the subsidy goes away.
Great review btw. Best review of the Nexo on UA-cam.
Another excellent review. Technical, scientific and objective. Thank you Alex.
Another great video, thanks Alex. However, I wish u mentioned something about the process of compressing the Hydrogen and storing it. In my opinion, that is a lot of energy consumed, cost and risk that falls in the Cons column big time.
Wow that button cluster looks like it's fresh off 80's stereo equipment
I think an EV with a big battery and a hydrogen fuel cell as a "range extender" would be really cool. It would be nice having 300 miles of battery range and another 300 miles of hydrogen range.
O.O that'd be great if it was a truck
All difficult to use. What we need is water's hydrogen gas fueled car. Water is plentiful, cheap, and everywhere. Water molecule is H2O and by separating hydrogen gas from oxygen, the combustible hydrogen gas can be used in internal combustion engine.
This is available with the BMW i3.
Having gas back up is more practical than Hydrogen.
@@hassanger8128 A hydrogen range extender is cleaner than a gas one.
I love that idea, man. Just need a green(er) hydrogen grid.
I really like the interior (about 100x more than a Model 3) and that you can use this as a normal car without any weird compromises.
I love me some buttons, but that console is c-r-a-z-y.
Great review as always Alex, and you always find the best way to explain the tech and detail the features. Unfortunately, this vehicle makes horrible sense right now in southern CA, because H2 stations are really few and far between and you have to hunt for one that is operational. Many complain that they arrive to a station that is empty or malfunctioning. Also, it should be fair to consider the economics after the fuel card is empty. Fill ups will cost about $90 per! It’s now a new form of range and wallet anxiety. If you drive 1500 miles a month, it will cost you about $400-500 per month to operate. Not the best case scenario and is far more expensive than an ICE or BEV to operate.
Great video, love the vehicle. Also love H2 technology as it provides similar lifestyle to gasoline vehicles. Problem is it will take a LONG time before H2 or EV refilling options are available ubiquitously in middle America/rural areas. There are other concerns as well, but it is really cool to see an actual hydrogen fuel cell vehicle that I'd love to have (Hyundai did a great job on it) - if I could only, just, refill it. LOL But well done sir, thanks for the in-dept explanations and comparisons too.
Well done Alex... well done to all manufacturers including BMW, Mercedes Benz, Honda, Toyota, for realizing this is important technology.
It's our future, but many will give excuses about cost and convenience now.. but if we don't put the investment in time engineering, etc...we will never improve! Truth is.... their are too many invested in oil and gas industry to suppress the better things for everyone.
Nice review! You did a great job explaining this complex topic while keeping it brief and entertaining.
FYI, Tesla is beta testing a new v3 Supercharger that charges a Model 3 at up to 250kW. Charging speed tapers pretty quickly, but it's still a big speed boost. I don't know how it compares to hydrogen fueling speed.
My personal favorite car review channels with facts and info is Alex and Savagegeese. Savagegeese goes a bit more in detail about the engine and transmission while alex talks about the car in general and its competition. Atleast thats how I see it.
I think hydrogen is the future. As a city dweller, I can't imagine more than a handful of people rocking plug-in electric cars. Currently, the few hip owners of electric cars can have the chargers all to themselves, but charging will be an issue if/when more people drive electric cars. Very few people here in NYC have garages.
Very few people in NYC have cars.
Also people are now installing more and more chargers in underground garages of office buildings.
@kevinmsft, I live in NYC and I disagree. It's always a struggle to find street parking. Most families in Brooklyn and Queens, where i'm most familiar with, have multiple cars.
Also don't forget that when there is greater demand for electricity from more people owning electric vehicles, you will see electricity prices increase dramatically. Of course that's going to be the same no matter what fuel you use, but the idea that electrics will continue to be cheaper to run is false. Not to mention that everything else in your house will cost more because of the higher electricity cost, not just the electricity that goes to fuel your car
I have drove ICE cars/trucks for many decades. Recently got a Tesla Model 3. Really liked the simplistic tablet control without all of the dedicated buttons. Also liked the 130 MPGe.
I'm also interested in FCEV and hope to see infrastructure and MPGe improvements. For now BEV is a clear winner.
Love this car, if there were more places to fill up then this would definitely be on my list
Hyundai would dominate the hydrogen market if they could make a hydrogen plug-in variant. Imagine charging at your house, leaving for a road trip, stopping at a local hydrogen station(infrastructure willing), and continuing for another 380 miles.
The video shows 2kg of H70 at 4 minutes. So 100-120 mi of driving in 4 minutes? It's faster than battery charging for now, but not that much so. Looks like the battery charging rates are catching up to hydrogen fill rates. Also: only front wheel drive? Doesn't look like they solved all the packaging issues then.
Not sure about the technology, but I like the design of this more than that of most regular Hyundai models... lol
I have owned a fuel cell electric vehicle (Mirai) for 3 years (I have 54,000 trouble free miles on it) and two of my friends drive Nexo's
I'm looking forward to the push for fuel cell cars and stations.
Fuel cell can be extremely useful in flying cars and heavy long range transports
When I saw the interior I remember our AKAI stereo in the 80s the buttons and knobs
I still think BEVs are the future... Currently I have Nissan LEAF and hope to get Hyundai Kona Electric or Kia Niro EV... It's BEV only for me... no hydrogen... seems too inconvenient to have to fill up at H2 station, like a gas station, and there's no H2 stations near me (in WA).
Hydrogen can be inconvenient. It takes longer to fill up than people are told because if your pump has to rebalance the pressurized tanks, you can easily be waiting for 15 min to fill up your 250 mile vehicle and the cost of hydrogen is ridiculously expensive if you have to pay that out of pocket. I am missing the point of how this is an advantage other than it being clean tech. It also isn't particular fun to drive either. Their could be a purpose of hydrogen, but I think it has a long way to go.
Remember a few years ago Auto journalists were drinking water from BMW tail pipe??!??
The infotainment and console is like AKAI stereo in the 80s
OMG these buttons... it's so 1996. luxury.
No offense to you Alex or this vehicle manufacturer... but I would choose Honda, or Second Toyota offers based on their normal cars reliability and driving dynamics...and whenever Mr Honda failed..he always found a way to drastically improve far beyond competition.
Deserves more subscriber and views. Good review.
Like everybody says, Alex rocks! I don't, however, understand his choice of car. I would rather wait 20 minutes for a charge instead of not having a place to charge to begin with. Plus I can't get over my fear of hydrogen, that thing is stupidly flammable and its flame is hard to see.
Interior is sweet
Awesome video. So informative. Since the fuel cell takes in oxygen, does it pump cleaned oxygen into the cabin?
To put the capacity of the battery into perspective wrt regen, I have gone down the grapevine (heading into the central valley) and that results in a total of 1kWh from top to bottom, so it needs to be something bigger than that to exceed the capacity of the battery.
Alex: Huge respect for your thoughtful, detailed and largely accurate on the H2 piece here. However, please consider how the H2 industry has long referred to power train configurations as you formulate your comparisons. A vehicle like a Nexo is not properly thought of as a battery EV with a different battery. It is a hybrid, correctly called a "fuel cell hybrid," with a different kind of fuel. One other thought: As you try (and it is hard - I feel you!) comparing the system efficiencies - with pure EV vs H2, you must consider the source of the E in EV (the well part). And, please, self-discharge: in both batteries and H2 tanks. Inactive (not driven for days), the batteries in an EV can reduce efficiency via self-discharge. Disclaimer: This can also be true with some H2 storage schemes (liquid especially, but also high pressure gas and solid metal hydride). All, systems and technologies, including carbon fuels, face these complex and interconnected factors. It makes the head spin faster than those weird rim things that people stick on their wheels! To be clear: I largely agree with your conclusions. I just think the factors I mentioned brings EV real world efficiency (and greenness) down a notch making H2 a closer competitor. When you add in that fueling experience (fast - clean and convenient), the case for H2 is compelling, if still 100% unconvincing. I say that only because of the incredible strides made in very high voltage EV recharging systems. There are really fast/practical systems on the way (Porsche - I'm looking at you!)
Gotta give it up for Hyundai for this one! This is one of the most discreet and futuristic looking vehicles on the road today~
They should make a plug in hybrid hydrogen version, where you trickle use the hydrogen as needed or for longer trips, and just plug in every night at home to keep the large battery full for basic everyday use.
Brilliant presentation ! professional is lesser word !
Enjoyed the video. I have the Honda Clarity Fuel Cell and live in Southern California. You alluded to being able to drive to Las Vegas and back from Southern California. Currently that’s not possible with the current station locations. Perhaps in the future. 😀
And, it doesn't look like a spaceship.
Yes. Yes it is.
Very nice steering wheel. Almost like an airplane control yoke 😉
Hi Alex, do you think that manufactures are deliberately making gas tank size's smaller and cruising ranges shorter in an effort to give new EVs and H2 vehicles less competition? It just seems like as fuel millage go's up gas tank sizes go down. In the past some of our cars could go from Indianapolis to Atlanta without stopping for fuel, just under 500 miles.
Very interesting. Loved the knowledge here. Thank you!
That central console looks like a 90s stereo stack, so many buttons.
You don't see the range drop in cold weather, precisely because of the heat that the fuel cell emits. That heat is the difference in efficiency between a fuel cell and the BEVs that you refer to, but in cold weather the fuel cell simply uses the waste heat for the cabin, thus preserving the range. While it does have a PTC for the cabin that is used to "top up" the cabin temperature. Since the waste heat is used for the cabin the efficiency of a fuel cell matches the efficiency of a BEV in cold weather.
interesting car.... great review thanks man
i just dont get why make this car if its not as efficient as electric/hybrid. is it because its lighter and cheaper??
This vehicle is not cheap and would cost 3x what a gas fueled vehicle to fill if Hyundai didn't Subsidize your fuel!
I am really thinking of buying it after watching your video. I took a test drive and it was awesome. Did you end up buying one( it’s been 2 years since you made this video) ? Lots have changed
Did you buy it?
Wow, do I wish that car was available in PA. By far my favorite vehicle and I can’t buy it! I don’t see why not having a hydrogen infrastructure is such a high hurdle. Why wait for some third party to develop the key ingredient (H2 stations) to making their product work? Can’t Hyundai sell me a home H2 generation appliance and storage tank? I would gladly pay Hyundai extra to have someone come to my home and install one. Its only input is electricity and water from a hose. In addition, Hyundai should incentivize each of it’s dealerships to install a small, one-pump station. The dealerships are spaced far enough from each other to make them somewhat ubiquitous. Plus, it’ll be a smart way to keep their customers coming back regularly. Apple does everything it can do to keep their customers within the Apple ecosystem by forcing customers to come back for most their accessories. They don’t mind because it’s convenient. Car companies haven’t figured out that bringing their customers back to the dealerships to do something as simple as filling up every 350 miles may be a GOOD thing for long-term relationships, and ultimately, sales. Ugh. I want that car.
Izúre Lem, Thanks for letting me know. Shame. I love the car and wish we could have a way to fill up from home.
It's the only up-to-date fuel cell vehicle you can buy today. The Toyota Mirai is somehow outdated already, but there will come a new version. Thankfully the Nexo is really attractive, but a bit expensive.
2:45 Red turning signals? Look at the other side?
Alex What is your opinion on all the buttons that are horizontal? I see one coffee spill and lots of problems like a laptop keyboard. Dirt and just gravity will gum up all those buttons in short time. They do take away from storage as well.
Only hydrogen stations are found in California - so if you live in LA or SF you may make it work out for you... otherwise, not worth it - no network of refueling / refilling up on gas in any other state.
Alex-any dangers of Hindenburg like explosions in a motor vehicle crash?
Not according to the research.
excellent contribution !
The rear turn signals are orange, not red.
Really digging the design. Good job Hyundai.
Might be interesting to explain the travel rule and how that favors FCEV sales in California over in other states.
Nice steering wheel
One thing to note, fuel cell tanks have an expiration date. So we don't know how much will it cost to replace those tanks. I believe that's why Honda wants all Clarity FC's back, well before the tanks expire.
Upon researching your comments they really hve no merits when understanding the type IV this used here. Seems like an EV lover trying to spew lies
In terms of going green, you need to factor in the mining, shipping and manufacturing process of batteries. You would also need to factor in batteries not last as long and the energy that it will take to dismantle and recycle the batteries to make new batteries. The process of making hydrogen is getting better, more efficient and cheaper due to economy of scale.
I hope they make Some letlights inside in different color.. further perfect.
Any idea on the difficulty level/cost of converting a gas ICE car to use hydrogen? Once they put more stations out, this should be a hot topic...
Physically possible but economically nonsensical. Two entirely different system types, including fuel sources. Different braking requirements and centres of gravity etc etc.
Give thema little bit more color, special inside. Than this car is future. Absolute.
Honestly, i have a Hyundai Kona Electric and I can go coast to coast without adding more than an hour total travel time. By changing where we stop for restroom and food breaks to locations with DC Fast Chargers and picking hotels with Level 2 EVSEs. Can also potentially travel cost being 1/4 of gas or once EV Passport launches $39 for a month worth of unlimited charging.
I have paid all of a out $15 for Charing for over 5,000 miles of driving. There is no way the fuel cell can ever make up the higher price compared to the $25,000 I paid for the EV used.
If you were taking it on a long trip where there were no hydrogen stations, or wanted to buy one and didnt live near hydrogen stations, could you put the hydrogen in a tank and take it with you? Or is there another way to buy the hydrogen and store it at your house?
Get the Nexo, Alex! I would. And I look forward to hearing your thoughts after long-term ownership.
“Hyundai found all the buttons...” Nice
I hope it is.
Me too. Earth is getting sick
I see in the past few days that two hydrogen stations have blown up in Norway and US. Toyota and Hyundai have stopped all hydrogen model sales and all 160 hydrogen filling stations have been closed. I’ll stick to an EV future.
18:33 potentially useful when parallel parking against a wall or high curb while driving with passengers
filling up with hydrogen is to long for me to handle at this point, plus they have no stations here in the north east. but that hydrogen card would make me seriously consider it if we had a small network of stations.
If you did have to pay for the fuel, how much is one tank full?
Watch for Hyundai to come out with a new battery system where you just pull up at any Hyundai or Kia dealer, they exchange your spent battery with a fully charged one in 5 minutes or less and off you go for $25. That will kill the competition.
Exactly! I’ve always thought that this was the most viable option to make electric cars as convenient as gas ones. Except that ALL electric vehicles should have a “standardized battery” that slides in and out (kinda like how we had VHS and CDs), and this would be done at your local gas station (manufacturers would have agreements / setups for this)
how would that work exactly? Can I exchange my 5-year-old battery with a new one? who's paying for faulty batteries?
No, existing batteries are currently too difficult to exchange. New designs will come out with redesigned batteries that are suitable for instant plug-and-go service. You will buy one new battery with the car then exchange it every time your battery charge is depleted. You won't have to be concerned about replacing your battery for the life of the vehicle. Hyundai/Kia will take care of recharging and repairing or replacing faulty batteries.
I love buttons in cars but that might be a little extreme. That giant section of controls looks like a plane cockpit.
Hydrogen is the only alt that actually works
wow
Wait this one will steer too cause my sonata only goes forward and back
“Roads? Where we’re going, we don’t need roads.”
electricity to charge your tesla is not green either. It too comes from whatever source made it. You must compare apples to apples. How much energy is spent to produce electricity in a power plant? Hydrogen is not an energy source in and of itself, anymore than electricity is an energy source. It is a medium for energy. It is only a way to store it. The difference with hydrogen, is that unlike storing it in a battery, range is no longer an issue and you can refuel in a couple of minutes, not 12 hours.
Another great thing about Hydrogen is that any gas station can sell it. Just like they sell propane or natural gas. They just have to get the tanks installed. So the infrastructure is already there in every existing gas station.
Also, the cost you quote for electricity assumes that no changes to the power grid are necessary. That is today's price for electricity when almost nobody has a battery charged vehicle. But if you add 263 million cars to the US electric grid, the grid could not handle that load and therefore the cost of electricity would have to go way, way up.
One more thing, you referred to this as a hydrogen vehicle vs an electric vehicle. This is an electric vehicle. All vehicles will eventually be electric. You meant to say a hydrogen vehicle vs a battery vehicle. The difference is how the electricity is produced - one produces it from a battery, one produces it from a fuel cell.