World's first fuel-cell SUV recalled over potentially explosive leak

WASHINGTON/SEOUL: Hyundai is recalling its hydrogen-powered Nexo SUV model in the United States for a fix after safety watchdogs warned of a potentially explosive fuel leak.

Hyundai has issued a recall for 1,545 Hyundai Nexo SUVs, which accounts for nearly all examples of the hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle sold in the US since 2019.

The model, now exposing a potential risk in a closely watched alternative to electric mobility, is billed as the world's first fuel-cell SUV and sells at around US$63,000 (RM274,000) in the US.

Documents posted by US safety regulators said that a pressure relief bulb fitted to the Nexo can break and cause a hydrogen leak. This could trigger a fire, even when the SUVs are parked.

If the bulb breaks, a white fog is reportedly said to appear at the rear of the Nexo while the driver hears a loud wind-like noise. The fuel gauge also quickly shows a loss of volume and a malfunction light will illuminate on the gauge cluster.

Hyundai said no fires had been reported anywhere around the world and that owners are being notified to allow a dealer to replace the pressure release devices.

The carmaker said in a statement that it is carrying out the recall “to ensure the safety of its customers.” The NHTSA documents state that only about 1% of the recalled vehicles are expected to have the defect, however.

The Nexo has storage tanks for hydrogen and works by converting the H2 into electricity to powers its drive wheels. Experts say leaking hydrogen can pose a threat if it is ignited, although the fuel usually dissipates harmlessly.

The Nexo is one of only a handful of hydrogen-driven production cars on the market and although the fuel systems of all these are designed with safety in mind, leaks and explosions are still possible.

Owners of affected vehicles are asked to park "outside and away from structures" until the recall is carried out because of the risk of fire.

The recall affects the Hyundai Nexo from the 2019 to 2024 model years. The number may seem small but they account for nearly every example of the hydrogen fuel-cell SUV on the road.