Hyundai outlines fuel-cell vision

HYUNDAI Motor Group (HMG) has released its roadmap for fuel-cell electric (FCEV) powertrains up to 2030, with plans to ramp up production and spread the technology beyond automotive applications.

 

Under the vision, HMG aims to make 700,000 fuel-cell systems a year by 2030, increasing its application from passenger vehicles to other modes of transportation including drones, ships, rail rolling stock and forklifts.

 

HMG also sees FCEV opportunity in power generation and storage.

 

Of the 700,000 systems to be made each year, 500,000 will be for passenger and commercial vehicles as part of global FCEV demand that HMG estimates will reach two million vehicles a year by 2030.

 

HMG will invest a massive 7.6 trillion won ($A9.34 billion) in R&D and facility expansion, creating about 51,000 new jobs by 2030.

 

The first step in increasing production of its systems began today with a ground-breaking ceremony in Chungju, South Korea, where HMG is building its second fuel-cell production plant in conjunction with its manufacturing affiliate Hyundai Mobis Company.

 

Currently, Mobis is capable of producing 3000 fuel-cell systems a year. The new facility in Chungju will increase that to 40,000 by 2022.

 

This month, HMG established a division dedicated to the development and support of fuel-cell system businesses in an effort to more widely incorporate the technology.

 

Hyundai has been one of the leading proponents of FCEVs in the automotive industry. Early this year, it revealed the Nexo FCEV SUV, the first Hyundai model  on a dedicated FCEV platform.

 

The powertrain in the Nexo will be adapted for applications outside the automotive industry.

 

A small number of Nexos have been ordered by Australian organisations, although a lack of refuelling infrastructure limits the viability of FCEVs in Australia.

 

Speaking to GoAuto in November, Hyundai Motor Company Australia manager of future mobility and government relations Scott Nargar said the company was working with other members of Hydrogen Mobility Australia to develop charging infrastructure, with various projects on the go across the country.

 

The Hydrogen Council, a global initiative made up of energy, transport and industry companies, predicts the annual demand for hydrogen will increase tenfold by 2050.

 

HMG executive vice chairman Euisun Chung was bullish about the ability of FCEVs to become a leading powertrain system.

 

“Hyundai Motor Group, the global pioneer of the commercial production of FCEV, is taking a bold step forward to expedite the realisation of a hydrogen society,” he said.

 

“We will expand our role beyond the automotive transportation sector and play a pivotal role in global society’s transition to clean energy by helping make hydrogen an economically viable energy source.

 

“We are confident that hydrogen power will transcend the transportation sector and become a leading global economic success.”

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