Hyundai to unveil next-generation fuel cell EV with autonomous features at CES 2018

A promotional image for Hyundai's next-generation fuel cell EV.Hyundai

Hyundai will introduce their next-generation fuel cell electric vehicle (EV) at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) next week.

The South Korean automaker is still keeping mum about specific details of the upcoming hydrogen-powered vehicle — including its name. Hyundai also teased that the new fuel cell EV will come with Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) technologies that would enable autonomous driving.

While car enthusiasts will have to wait until CES 2018 to learn official details, Autocar reported that the next-generation fuel cell EV will be an ideal vehicle for Hyundai to test its autonomous systems. It will most likely have a long range and will be able to meet the high energy demands of self-driving cars.

To recall, Hyundai recently announced that their first foray into the autonomous vehicle market will arrive in 2021. The automaker has partnered with self-driving tech company Aurora to develop Level 4 autonomous vehicles that can operate without human input or assume control under certain conditions.

Meanwhile, Hyundai also released the first official photos of their next-generation fuel cell EV. The hydrogen-powered model featured in the images is similar to the near-production-ready version that was unveiled at a preview event in Seoul last August 2017.

"With exceptional efficiency, serene styling and uncompromised performance, out next generation fuel cell SUV is the true epitome of an eco-friendly vehicle of the future," Lee Ki-sand, senior vice president of Hyundai's Eco Technology Center, said at the time.

The upcoming fuel cell EV was developed by focusing on four key aspects: efficiency, performance, durability and tank storage density. The new hydrogen-powered SUV boasts more power, improved efficiency, a longer driving range and greater longevity compared to its predecessor, the Tucson Fuel Cell.

Hyundai's next-generation fuel cell EV will be unveiled during the automaker's press conference at CES 2018 on Monday, Jan. 8 at 6 p.m. EST. The event will be streamed live here.