Commuters may soon travel to work in a driverless car so clean that they could enjoy a cup of tea brewed with water from its tailpipe during the journey

Hyundai Nexo: A Revolution in Clean and Autonomous Driving
The Hyundai Nexo not only generates water clean enough for watering plants but could also be stored and used for making tea or coffee.
Hyundai has recently demonstrated its cutting-edge ‘Level 4’ autonomous driving technology, with the Nexo serving as the test platform. This level of autonomy means the vehicle can perform all critical driving functions and monitor road conditions throughout an entire journey.
A fleet of Nexo vehicles successfully self-drove 118 miles from Seoul to Pyeongchang, South Korea—home of the 2018 Winter Olympics. These cars reached speeds of nearly 70 mph while navigating built-up areas and open roads. This marks the first-ever demonstration of this level of autonomy with fuel cell electric vehicles.
By 2021, the Nexo is expected to feature Level 4 autonomous capabilities. At launch, it will already include semi-autonomous features such as Lane Following Assist and Highway Driving Assist.
- Lane Following Assist: Keeps the car centered in its lane by automatically adjusting the steering.
- Highway Driving Assist: Uses sensors and map data to maintain safe operation and automatically adjusts speed in specific environments, enabling safer and more comfortable long-distance travel.
Additionally, the Nexo includes a Blind Spot View Monitor, an industry-first innovation. Cameras display both sides of the car, eliminating blind spots that traditional mirrors cannot cover, allowing drivers to focus on the road.
For added convenience, the Nexo can park itself autonomously at the touch of a button, whether you’re inside or outside the vehicle.

European Debut and Future Potential
The Nexo will make its European debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month. According to Tony Whitehorn, Hyundai UK’s President and CEO, the Nexo represents the future of sustainable transportation.
“A car with autonomous abilities that could one day power household appliances and produces water clean enough to hydrate your plants—this is the Hyundai Nexo,” said Whitehorn.
He emphasized that the Nexo combines sustainability with practicality, featuring a refueling time of just a few minutes and a range of approximately 500 miles—enough to travel from London to Sheffield and back on a full tank of hydrogen.
Hyundai’s Hydrogen Leadership
Hyundai has been at the forefront of hydrogen-powered vehicles, starting with its first fuel cell engine in 1998. In 2013, it introduced the ix35 Fuel Cell, the first mass-produced hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV). The Nexo now takes the lead as the first semi-autonomous FCEV.
In the UK, hydrogen fuel costs are comparable to petrol and diesel, with a full refuel costing around £60. The Nexo’s hydrogen tank can be filled in just three to five minutes at specialized Hydrogen Refueling Stations, such as the one at Shell Cobham.
Growing Demand for Alternative-Fuel Vehicles
The demand for alternative-fuel vehicles (AFVs) continues to rise, driven by environmental concerns and tax incentives. Sales of AFVs increased by 23.9% year-on-year in January, largely thanks to electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. While hydrogen-powered vehicles are still in the early stages, the UK Government has committed £23 million to accelerate adoption by expanding hydrogen infrastructure.
Currently, there are 12 hydrogen refueling stations in the UK, with more planned for the near future.
A Sustainable Future
The Nexo will sit at the top of Hyundai’s range, offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional petrol, diesel, and hybrid vehicles.
“Our goal is to provide consumers with a variety of powertrain options tailored to their needs,” Whitehorn added. “The Nexo stands as Hyundai’s technological flagship, paving the way for a more sustainable future.”
