In a strategic move towards advancing hydrogen fuel cell technology, Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai Motor) and Kia Corporation (Kia) have entered into a groundbreaking collaboration with W. L. Gore & Associates (Gore) at the Mabuk Eco-Friendly R&D Center in Korea. The joint effort aims to develop an innovative polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) crucial for next-generation hydrogen fuel cell systems, with a particular focus on commercial vehicles.
The PEM serves as a key component in hydrogen fuel cells, facilitating the conduction of protons between electrodes. By preventing the direct combination of incoming hydrogen and oxygen gases, the PEM ensures selective proton conduction, thereby generating an electrical current to power vehicles. The performance and durability of the fuel cell system depend significantly on the quality of the PEM technology.
Having collaborated for over 15 years in the field of fuel cells, Hyundai Motor, Kia, and Gore are leveraging their longstanding relationship to jointly work on developing an optimal fuel cell system for commercial vehicles. The primary objectives include enhancing performance and durability, ultimately contributing to the advancement of fuel-cell electric vehicles.
Chang Hwan Kim, Head of Battery Development and Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Development at Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation, expressed optimism about the collaboration, stating, “We are entering the next chapter of our partnership with Gore. By leveraging the 15 years of collaboration, we will acquire advanced fuel cell technology and lead the fuel cell electric vehicle market, accelerating the movement towards a sustainable future.”
Gore, an advanced materials company based in Delaware, USA, brings its expertise in PEM, Catalyst coated Membrane, and MEA (Membrane Electrode Assembly) technology to the partnership. The collaboration aims to integrate Gore’s pioneering PEM technology with Hyundai Motor and Kia’s advanced fuel cell expertise, intending to incorporate advanced PEM technology into next-generation fuel cell systems for various applications, including passenger cars, commercial vehicles, and non-automotive sectors.
Michelle Augustine, Gore Clean Energy Business Group Leader, expressed enthusiasm about advancing the long-standing partnership, saying, “We look forward to advancing our long-standing partnership with Hyundai Motor and Kia. Leveraging our advanced PEM technology solutions, we will work together with Hyundai Motor and Kia to enable them to deliver fuel cell vehicles that provide a performance and cost advantage to consumers.”
This collaboration aligns with Hyundai Motor Group’s 25-year focus on hydrogen technology, culminating in the establishment of the HTWO hydrogen business brand in 2020. The group actively expands its fuel cell business globally, covering a diverse range of sectors, including passenger and commercial vehicles, marine vessels, aerospace applications, power generation, and more.
