Hyundai, Kia to develop advanced fuel cell system for commercial vehicles

MANILA: Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation inked a new agreement with global materials science firm W.L. Gore and Associates to work together on the development of an advanced polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) for hydrogen fuel cell systems.

The PEM is used in hydrogen fuel cells to conduct protons between two electrodes. It prevents incoming hydrogen and oxygen gasses from mixing, facilitating the selective conduction of protons to produce an electric current that powers a vehicle. The fuel cell system’s performance and durability are largely dependent on the PEM technology.

The advanced PEM that will be created in the joint project will be used in next-generation fuel cell electric commercial vehicles.

“We are entering the next chapter of our 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,” Hyundai Motor Company Battery and Hydrogen Fuel Cell Development Head Chang Hwan Kim stated.

Gore contributes its expertise in PEM, catalyst coated membrane technology, and membrane electrode assembly to the collaboration.

“We look forward to advancing our long-standing partnership with Hyundai Motor and Kia. Leveraging our advanced PEM technology solutions, we will work together with Hyundai Motor and Kia to enable them to deliver fuel cell vehicles that provide a performance and cost advantage to consumers,” Gore Clean Energy Business Group Leader Michelle Augustine said.

The collaboration builds upon Hyundai Motor Group’s 25-year commitment to hydrogen technology, which resulted in the launch of the HTWO hydrogen brand in 2020. The group is actively growing its fuel cell business globally, encompassing various industries including passenger and commercial vehicles, marine vessels, aerospace applications, power generation and more.

Photo from Hyundai Motor Group

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