SEOUL: While many car makers have favoured the transition from internal combustion engines to battery-powered electric vehicles (BEVs) as the next step, Hyundai Group has announced that it will be making hydrogen fuel cell vehicles a major component of its Hydrogen Vision 2040.
In presenting Hyundai's plans to popularise hydrogen by 2040 through the introduction of new technologies and climate-friendly mobility solutions in transportation and other industrial sectors, Hyundai Group chairman Euisun Chung said:
“We want to offer practical solutions for the sustainable development of humanity and with these breakthroughs, we aim to help foster a worldwide Hydrogen Society by 2040.
“Hyundai Motor Group’s vision is to apply hydrogen energy in all areas of life and industry such as our homes, work-places and factories. The goal is to make hydrogen readily used for everyone, everything, and everywhere.
“By developing advanced technologies and innovative systems – as well as encouraging close collaboration between public and private sectors across the globe – it is possible to make this sustainable vision a reality for all,” he said.
Further underscoring its pioneering commitment to clean sustainable energy for all types of mobility, Hyundai Group's plans would see the electrification of all new commercial vehicle models – featuring fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) or battery electric powertrains - to all models by 2028.
Hyundai Group has been preparing for the future of hydrogen since the development of its first FCEV in 1998.
In 2013, the Tucson FCEV (ix35 Fuel Cell) was introduced, opening the door to the mass production of FCEVs.
In 2018, the company launched the next-generation fuel cell SUV, NEXO, and the world’s first heavy-duty fuel cell truck, XCIENT Fuel Cell, in 2020.
Hyundai Group also aims to become the first global automaker to apply its fuel cell system on all its commercial vehicle models by 2028.
Third-generation fuel cell stack.
The group said third-generation fuel cell stack, available in 100kW and 200kW output, are more compact but more powerful than the previous generation.
The 100kW stack has been reduced in size by 30%, making it easier to be applied to different vehicle types and applications.
The 200kW version has been designed for commercial vehicle applications and is similar in size to the current NEXO system, but the power output has doubled.
For the second-generation fuel cell stack launched in 2018, the company achieved 5,000 hours and 160,000km of usage, which is similar to the warranty of an ICE vehicle.
For the third-generation fuel cell development, the goal is to improve durability by 50% to 100%.
The high durability stacks for commercial vehicles will deliver 500,000km of service drive range.
Trailer Drone.
The group also unveiled the ‘Trailer Drone’ concept, a hydrogen-powered container transportation system capable of operating fully autonomously, with a double e-Bogie configuration.
The Fuel Cell e-Bogie sits under the container just like a rail bogie and is a fully enclosed system with fuel cell powertrain and fully independent four-wheel steering.
The Fuel Cell e-Bogie can also be configured to create a ‘Rescue Drone’ that can be operated remotely and autonomously for fire-fighting and life-saving.
Rescue Drone.
Also unveiled is the Vision FK fuel cell high-performance sports car concept with 500kW of power and can accelerate from rest to 100kph in less than four seconds.
Combining a fuel cell energy converter with a high-power, rear wheel-drive powertrain, the Vision FK aims to achieve over 600km in range.
Vision FK.
Other concepts unveiled are the H Moving Station which is a heavy-duty vehicle equipped with charging facilities for fuel cell vehicles in areas with limited hydrogen refueling stations, and the Rescue Hydrogen Generator Vehicle that can supply power to electric vehicles in remote, off-road areas.
In addition, the Hyundai Group will be presenting its plans for hydrogen energy and a global hydrogen society at its ‘Hydrogen Village’ (HydroVILLE) exhibition in Goyang, Korea, from Sept 8-11.
