Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation have signed an agreement with W. L. Gore to collaborate on developing PEM hydrogen fuel cell systems for commercial vehicles.
The two South Korean automakers – both owned by Hyundai – have been working together on fuel cells for over 15 years. This new partnership is now intended to focus on developing an “optimal” fuel cell system for commercial vehicles, with emphasis on enhancing performance and durability.
Gore’s membrane technology is currently used in around 100 fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) models, including Hyundai’s NEXO FCEV. Across its fuel cell products, Gore says it tailors the structure of ePTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) to deliver high power density, and improved chemical and mechanical durability.
Chang Hwan Kim, Head of Battery Development and Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Development at Hyundai and Kia, said the two automakers were entering the “next chapter” of their partnership with Gore.
“By leveraging the 15 years of collaboration, we will acquire advanced fuel cell technology and lead the fuel cell electric vehicle market, accelerating the movement towards a sustainable future,” Kim said.
By combining Gore’s PEM technology with Hyundai and Kia’s fuel cell experience, the resulting “next generation fuel cells” from the partnership are hoped to be incorporated into passenger cars, commercial vehicles and non-automotive sectors.
Michelle Augustine, Gore Clean Energy Business Group Leader, said, the technology provider would work with Hyundai and Kia to enable them to deliver fuel cell vehicles that provide a “performance and cost advantage to consumers.”
Hyundai is no stranger to hydrogen-powered mobility. Having mass produced its ix35 (Tucson) FCEV between 2013 and 2018, it released its NEXO FCEV in 2018.
On the commercial mobility side, in 2022, the company revealed a fleet of its XCIENT heavy-duty trucks in Switzerland had accumulated more than five million km in two years.
Read more: Hyundai XCIENT fuel cell trucks to ‘expand throughout Europe’
Media Guide
Don’t just stay at the forefront of the latest news and views in the hydrogen economy, position yourself at the forefront with H2 View. Reach the right target audience for your company through our range of promotional platforms.
Whether online, in print, or as part of our newsletters, H2 View has a range of advertising options to meet your objectives. Download H2 View’s 2024 media guide today!
