Hyundai Hydrogen Strategy: Fuel Cell Vehicles by 2028

Hyundai Motor Group's Commitment to Hydrogen Energy

Hyundai Motor Group is strongly advocating for hydrogen as a key energy source for achieving sustainability goals. The South Korean automotive manufacturer intends to offer hydrogen fuel cell options across its entire range of commercial vehicles by 2028, utilizing a next-generation fuel cell system planned for release in the coming years.

Hydrogen Strategy Unveiled

Hyundai revealed its long-term hydrogen strategy on Tuesday during a live-streamed Hydrogen Wave conference. Saehoon Kim, executive vice president and head of Hyundai Motor Group’s fuel cell center, stated the company’s objective is to attain cost parity with electric vehicle batteries by the year 2030.

Details were also shared regarding the Vision FK, a high-performance, rear-wheel drive hydrogen sports car. This vehicle, equipped with a 500kW fuel cell system, can accelerate from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in under four seconds and boasts a range of 600 kilometers (373 miles). Production timelines for the Vision FK were not disclosed.

Hydrogen in a Growing Market

While electric vehicles are gaining prominence, hydrogen remains a developing market. However, it is experiencing growth due to ambitious emissions reduction targets set by Europe, China, and the United States. Companies like Toyota Motor Corp., BMW, and Daimler are also exploring hydrogen fuel cell technology alongside their electric vehicle development.

Hyundai’s dedication to hydrogen does not diminish its commitment to electric vehicles; rather, the current climate crisis necessitates a multifaceted approach. The most effective fuel technology will ultimately prevail.

New Powertrains and Mainstream Adoption

During the conference, Kim announced Hyundai’s plans to introduce two new hydrogen fuel cell powertrains in 2023. These are intended to facilitate the widespread adoption of hydrogen technology by 2040.

The third generation of Hyundai’s hydrogen fuel stack will be available in 100kW and 200kW outputs, designed for passenger vehicles and commercial applications, respectively.

Current Hydrogen Vehicle Offerings

Hyundai Motor Group, encompassing Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis, currently markets the Elec City Fuel Cell bus. Currently, 115 of these buses are operational in South Korea.

The Xcient Hyundai, a fuel cell truck, is also available, with 45 units deployed in Switzerland last year.

Future Hydrogen Models

Hyundai currently offers the NEXO fuel cell SUV and plans to launch a next-generation model in 2023. A hydrogen-powered multi-purpose vehicle is also in development.

At the IAA Mobility conference in Munich, Hyundai announced plans for a large fuel cell SUV post-2025, alongside four additional commercial vehicles by the end of the decade. The company envisions fuel cell technology being utilized in diverse applications, including emergency vehicles, ships, freight transport, trams, forklifts, and industrial machinery.

How Fuel Cells Work

“Fuel cell technology is a proven method for delivering the benefits of hydrogen to people globally across various sectors,” explained Kim. “Essentially, a fuel cell functions as a power generator, similar to an engine.”

A key distinction is that a fuel cell generates power, while a battery stores it. A fuel cell system comprises a fuel cell stack, a hydrogen supply, an air supply, and a thermal management system. It produces electricity by combining hydrogen and oxygen, mirroring an internal combustion engine but without carbon emissions.

Fuel cell systems generate energy through chemical reactions and continue operating as long as hydrogen fuel is available, unlike batteries which have limited storage capacity. Hyundai is focused on developing a comprehensive hydrogen ecosystem, encompassing production, storage, fuel cell technology, and supporting infrastructure.

This infrastructure will largely rely on renewable energy sources like solar and wind power to produce “green” hydrogen through water electrolysis.

Investments and Carbon Neutrality Goals

Beyond internal research, Hyundai Motor has invested in hydrogen startups, such as H2Pro, and intends to establish green hydrogen infrastructure in countries with favorable policies and abundant renewable energy resources.

These initiatives stem from the group’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2045 and reducing emissions by 75% below 2019 levels by 2040.

Hyundai anticipates that 30% of its vehicle sales will be zero-emission by 2030, with battery electric and fuel cell electric vehicles accounting for 80% of total fleet sales by 2040.