Hyundai Motor has unveiled plans to build its first hydrogen fuel cell systems plant in South Korea. Expected to begin operations in 2028, this facility will be the automaker’s second such plant globally, following the successful launch of a similar plant in Guangzhou, China.
Location and Construction Timeline
The new plant will be constructed this year at Hyundai’s main car manufacturing site in Ulsan, located 305 kilometers southeast of Seoul. Hyundai’s labor union emphasized that consultations between management and union representatives will be crucial for advancing this initiative.
Driving Green Mobility
Once operational, the plant is likely to produce hydrogen fuel cell systems for Hyundai’s eco-friendly lineup, including:
- The Nexo hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (EV),
- The hydrogen-powered Elec City bus,
- Hydrogen trucks.
This reinforces Hyundai’s commitment to green energy and sustainable transportation.
INITIUM Concept and Second-Generation Hyundai NEXO
Hyundai is also gearing up to debut the production version of its INITIUM concept in the first half of 2025. This vehicle will serve as the second generation of the Hyundai NEXO, the company’s flagship hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle. The INITIUM concept showcases Hyundai’s advancements in hydrogen technology, offering a driving range of over 650 kilometers and a more powerful 150 kW fuel cell system2.
The second-generation NEXO will feature a redesigned exterior with a bold, SUV-like aesthetic and improved efficiency. It is expected to include cutting-edge features such as over-the-air (OTA) software updates and enhanced hydrogen storage capacity, enabling longer travel distances4.
Global Hydrogen Leadership
Hyundai’s first hydrogen fuel cell systems plant in Guangzhou began operations in 2023, with a production capacity sufficient to power 6,500 hydrogen commercial vehicles annually. Establishing a second plant in South Korea strengthens Hyundai’s role in the global hydrogen economy and highlights its leadership in clean energy innovation.