Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) of USA conducted the safety and crash test on a Hyundai Nexo provided by Hyundai on a voluntary basis. The Hyundai Nexo is a fuel cell powered SUV and is only sold in California. The car came out with flying colours during the test.

The Nexo is powered by a 161 HP electric motor which produces 291 lb-ft (395 N-m) of torque. It stores hydrogen in three cylinders in the rear of the vehicle and has a range of 380 mile (608 km). The hydrogen tanks can be refuelled in 5 minutes thus allowing a driver the same ranges and refuelling time as a conventional IC engine vehicle. This does not require any major changes to the life style of an individual while shifting from IC engine to a more Eco-friendly fuel cell vehicle.

The Hyundai Nexo avoided collision at 12 and 25 mph tests as it has a forward collision warning system. In the headlight department it scored a good rating as it has a standard high beam assist system for the headlight headlight for good visibility which automatically dips to low beam based on the presence or absence of other cars. The car also got good ratings for driver-side small overlap front, passenger-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraint tests .

For clearing the IIHS tests, a car is supposed to get a good rating in all the above mentioned tests.

Scott Margason, director, Product Planning, Hyundai Motor America said, “Hyundai and its engineering team continue to make vehicles even safer with the addition of active standard safety features, prioritizing cutting-edge safety and convenience at the forefront of the driving experience Our NEXO further emphasizes this priority on safety, with generous driver-assistance technologies and excellent passenger protection in a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle.”

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