Sydney/New Delhi: In a historic first for the global automobile industry, Australia has introduced a next-generation hydrogen fuel cell car that not only charges in just five minutes but also purifies the air instead of polluting it. The vehicle, capable of covering up to 900 kilometres without emitting CO2, marks a breakthrough in sustainable mobility.
This is the first time that hydrogen fuel cell technology has entered commercial serial production, moving beyond labs into real-world use. Industry experts say the minimal charging time—barely five minutes including entry and exit from the station—makes the innovation a game-changer for the future of clean transport.
Hyundai NEXO: The Smartest, Cleanest Car Yet
At the forefront of this revolution is the Hyundai NEXO, a fuel-cell SUV that runs on 6.27 kg of hydrogen and delivers a range of over 800 km. More remarkably, while driving, the car filters and purifies 449,100 litres of air—equivalent to the daily breathing needs of 33 people.
Unlike petrol or diesel engines, the NEXO emits only water droplets through its exhaust, with zero CO2 or NOx emissions. In comparison, a conventional car covering the same distance emits nearly 126 kilograms of CO2.
A Golden Opportunity for India
Hyundai’s innovation proves that hydrogen fuel cell technology has moved into the mainstream. For countries like India, this opens a significant window of opportunity. With some of the world’s lowest potential hydrogen production costs, India could emerge as a major hub in the global hydrogen supply chain.
Currently, hydrogen fuel costs ₹420–₹460 per kilogram in India, while the Hyundai NEXO is priced at $100,000 (approx. ₹84.5 lakh) in global markets.
Step Toward the Future
The development highlights how hydrogen fuel is set to complement electric vehicles as a cornerstone of sustainable mobility worldwide. Hyundai has become the first automaker to bring hydrogen cars into mass production, turning a futuristic concept into reality.
With Australia taking the lead, the world is watching to see how nations like India respond—whether by embracing hydrogen as a clean energy solution or by carving a leadership role in its production and distribution.
Hydrogen cars are no longer just the future—they are very much the present.
