Hyundai's Hydrogen Cars Awaited in Indonesia, Ecosystem Building Underway

“Starting from providing land for refueling stations, hydrogen production and distribution, to the utilization of hydrogen-based vehicles,” read Hyundai's official statement quoted on Tuesday (22/04).

It was further explained that the W2H ecosystem itself has been successfully implemented in South Korea. Therefore, Hyundai is interested in implementing a similar system in Indonesia.

For your information, Hyundai has a hydrogen vehicle model that was once exhibited in the country, namely the Nexo.

Previously, the Hyundai Nexo was part of PLN's commitment to the project of developing a hydrogen-fueled car ecosystem in Indonesia.

Photo : Courtesy

The unit was once exhibited at the PEVS (Periklindo Electric Vehicle Show) 2024 at the PLN booth.

The Hyundai Nexo launched in 2018, an SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) that replaced the Tucson hydrogen or FCEV (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle).

The vehicle's performance is supported by an electric motor that delivers 120 kW (equivalent to 161 hp) and a peak torque of 395 Nm, channeled to the front wheels.

The model can hold 156 liters of hydrogen, offering a capable range of 666 km.

However, at that time, the government was of the opinion that hydrogen cars still have shortcomings, such as greater energy loss compared to battery-based electric cars.

Photo : KatadataOTO

Hydrogen cars are said to be more suitable for heavy vehicles such as long-distance trucks and buses.

“We are trying with passenger cars, but with the development of BEV technology, it seems that batteries are superior,” said Rachmat Kaimuddin, Deputy for Infrastructure and Transportation Coordination at the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment, at JIExpo Kemayoran some time ago.

However, he emphasized that the government is not closing the possibility of exploring various other eco-friendly transportation alternatives to achieve the zero-emission target.