You Might Finally Be Able To Buy The 2026 Hyundai Nexo Hydrogen SUV in Australia

Hyundai has confirmed that the second-generation Nexo hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicle (FCEV) will be coming to Australia in the first half of 2026, though it remains unclear whether it will be available for public sale or limited to fleet programs.

The first-generation Nexo was only available in Australia through a leasing program and remains limited in deployment. According to Hyundai Australia, there are currently 35 Nexo units deployed nationally, including 20 with the ACT Government, 5 with the Queensland Government, and others with organisations such as Woodside, the Korean Embassy, Atco Gas, and Hyundai Motor Company Australia (HMCA).

Revealed at the 2025 Seoul Mobility Show, the new Nexo introduces a series of technical and usability updates over its predecessor. The updated hydrogen SUV features a new fuel cell system producing a gross output of 110 kW and a front-mounted electric motor generating 150 kW and 350 Nm. The battery system has also been upgraded to 80 kW, doubling the output of the previous model. Hyundai claims a 0–100 km/h time of 7.8 seconds.

The usable hydrogen tank capacity has increased to 6.69 kg, stored across three tanks, which contributes to a targeted range of over 700 km (based on Korean domestic testing with 18-inch wheels). Projected maximum fuel economy is 97.8 km/kg, which equates to approximately 6.8 L/100km equivalent.

Australia currently has nine operational hydrogen refuelling stations located across Brisbane, Perth, Canberra (ACT), two in Melbourne, and Sydney, with another eight in planning. HMCA has recently upgraded its own hydrogen station from 350 bar to 700 bar at a cost of $2 million. The facility can now produce up to 20 kg of green hydrogen per day using solar power, with 50 kg of on-site storage. According to Hyundai, this allows for a full 3-minute refill providing up to 600 km of driving range for the Nexo.

The second-generation Nexo is larger than the previous model, measuring 4,750 mm in length, 1,865 mm in width, and 1,640 mm in height, with a 2,790 mm wheelbase. These changes support an increase in passenger space and overall comfort. Boot capacity behind the second row is listed at 993 litres (SAE), while second-row occupants benefit from improved headroom, shoulder room, and reclining ventilated seats. First-row features include relaxation seats with leg rests.

Technological updates include dual 12.3-inch displays (for instrumentation and infotainment), support for wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, over-the-air software updates, a Bang & Olufsen premium sound system, and a vehicle-to-load (V2L) function allowing internal and external device charging. Digital side mirrors and a digital rear-view mirror are also available in select markets.

Safety and driver assistance systems include nine airbags, autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, safe exit assist, adaptive cruise control with navigation input, and Hyundai’s latest parking assistance systems.

Despite the range of new features, Hyundai Australia has not confirmed whether the second-generation Nexo will be available for individual purchase. A spokesperson said, "We haven’t finalised the commercial pathway just yet, but the vehicle is confirmed for Australia."

The Nexo is part of Hyundai’s broader strategy to offer multiple electrification pathways, including battery-electric, hybrid, and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.

Final Australian specifications, pricing, and availability are expected to be clarified later in 2025.