Hyundai Motor Group, South Korea’s leading automaker, announced a significant partnership with U.S.-based materials science company W. L. Gore & Associates Inc., to jointly develop advanced materials for hydrogen fuel cells. This collaboration will involve Hyundai Motor Co. and Kia Corp., the automotive group’s two major car-making units, working with Gore to refine polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) technology, a critical component in hydrogen fuel cell systems.
Hydrogen fuel cells, which power fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), rely on PEM to conduct protons between electrodes, generating the electrical current needed for vehicle propulsion. The PEM technology is pivotal in determining both the performance and longevity of fuel cell systems.
The partnership aims to leverage Gore’s expertise in PEM technology, known for developing Gore-Tex fabrics, with Hyundai and Kia’s advanced fuel cell know-how. The goal is to create next-generation fuel cell systems suitable for a range of applications, including passenger cars, commercial vehicles, and non-automotive sectors.
This agreement builds on a 15-year collaborative history between Hyundai, Kia, and Gore in the field of fuel cells. The renewed focus will be on developing an optimal fuel cell system for commercial vehicles, enhancing both performance and durability.
Hyundai Motor Group’s commitment to hydrogen technology spans over 25 years and led to the establishment of its HTWO hydrogen business brand in 2020. The group has been actively expanding its fuel cell business across various sectors, including marine and aerospace applications, and power generation.
As part of this commitment, Hyundai plans to showcase its vision for a hydrogen ecosystem at the upcoming CES 2024 in Las Vegas. This vision aligns with the group’s broader strategy to lead the market in fuel cell electric vehicles and advance towards a sustainable future.
Michelle Augustine, leader of Gore Clean Energy Business Group, expressed enthusiasm for the continued partnership with Hyundai Motor and Kia. By combining Gore’s advanced PEM solutions with the automakers’ capabilities, the collaboration aims to deliver fuel cell vehicles that offer both performance and cost advantages to consumers. This strategic partnership represents a significant step in the evolution of hydrogen fuel cell technology and its application in the automotive industry.
