KG Mobility Corp. is partnering with automotive supplier Phinia to develop hydrogen engines for commercial vehicles, marking the Korean automaker’s latest move into alternative powertrains.
The project, backed by South Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, aims to create a 2-liter diesel-based hydrogen engine that complies with nitrogen oxide emissions standards. The companies are working alongside the Korea Automotive Technology Institute to design an engine capable of powering vehicles for more than 500 kilometers on a single fill.
The collaboration focuses on developing a range-extended electric vehicle platform, combining hydrogen power with electric systems. The companies plan to optimize both engine performance and overall vehicle efficiency.
This development comes as Korean automakers face increasing pressure to reduce emissions and transition away from traditional fossil fuels. While major competitors like Hyundai Motor Co. have focused primarily on battery-electric and fuel cell vehicles, KG Mobility is exploring hydrogen combustion engines as an alternative path to meeting environmental regulations.
The partnership represents KG Mobility’s effort to establish itself in the growing market for zero-emission commercial vehicles, though the company hasn’t disclosed a timeline for bringing the technology to market.
