IAA 2021: Hyundai focuses on hydrogen 🎥
VISION The Hyundai Motor Company with its Kia, Hyundai and Genesis brands aims to become climate-neutral by 2045. The No. 4 ranked car company is betting on the future of hydrogen and especially fuel cells. Hyundai also unveiled a concept for a hydrogen-powered hybrid sports car - the Vision FK. Since the development of its first fuel cell electric vehicle [...]
Hyundai also unveiled a concept for a hydrogen-powered hybrid sports car - the Vision FK.
Since developing its first fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) in 1998, the Group has been preparing for the future of hydrogen. In 2013, the Tucson FCEV (ix35 Fuel Cell) was introduced, opening the door to mass production of FCEVs.
In 2018, the company launched the Nexo, a current-generation fuel cell SUV. This was followed in 2020 by the world's first fuel cell heavy-duty truck, the Hyundai Xcient Fuel Cell.
No internal combustion engines as an intermediate step
Now the management presented its plans for the years up to 2040 at the IAA Mobility 2021 in Munich (until September 12). Commercial vehicles are to be fully equipped with fuel cell systems by 2028. As an intermediate step, it is planned to stop selling combustion engines in Europe from 2035 onwards, and to sell only electric vehicles - whether powered by batteries or hydrogen.
Hyundai's strategy for achieving climate neutrality is based on three pillars: environmentally friendly mobility, next-generation platforms and green energy. Hyundai will show the full range of its electrified vehicle portfolio and new solutions for progress with green energy in Munich.
Solutions for sustainable development
Jaehoon (Jay) Chang, President and CEO Hyundai Motor Company: "Hyundai Motor Group's vision is to use the energy of hydrogen in all aspects of life and industry. The goal is to make hydrogen usable by everyone everywhere. We want to provide practical solutions for the sustainable development of mankind in all areas of life and contribute to the creation of a global hydrogen society by 2040."
Focus on the commercial vehicle market
In addition, the Group will focus its fuel cell activities on the global commercial vehicle market - including the European market, which currently accounts for 400,000 new units per year. One of the products being developed for this purpose is a fuel cell PBV (purpose-built vehicle) measuring approximately five to seven meters in length, aimed at the global light commercial vehicle market. Annual sales of seven million units are forecast by 2030.
New generation of fuel cell systems
Hyundai is developing a new generation of fuel cell systems at a more attractive price and with increased volume while improving durability and performance. Over the past 20 years, costs have fallen by almost 98 percent.
Hyundai hopes to offer vehicles with fuel cell technology at a price on par with a battery electric vehicle by 2030.
Hybrid sports car produces 500 kW with hydrogen
Hyundai presented a concept for a hydrogen-powered hybrid sports car at the IAA - the Vision FK. With a maximum output of over 500 kW, it accelerates from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in less than four seconds.
Combining a fuel cell converter with a powerful rear-wheel drive plug-in powertrain, the high-performance vehicle can achieve a range of more than 600 kilometers on just one tank of fuel.
