Audi and Hyundai have agreed to work together in the area of fuel cell technology. The two carmakers plan to cross-license patents and grant access to non-competitive components. Both partners aim to bring the fuel cell to volume production maturity more quickly and more efficiently, and are also exploring deeper collaboration in fuel cell tech.
“The fuel cell is the most systematic form of electric driving and thus a potent asset in our technology portfolio for the emission-free premium mobility of the future. On our FCEV roadmap, we are joining forces with strong partners such as Hyundai. For the breakthrough of this sustainable technology, cooperation is the smart way to leading innovations with attractive cost structures,” said Peter Mertens, board member for technical development at Audi.
“We are confident that our partnership with Audi will successfully demonstrate the vision and benefits of FCEVs to the global society. This agreement is another example of Hyundai’s strong commitment to creating a more sustainable future whilst enhancing consumers’ lives with hydrogen-powered vehicles, the fastest way to a truly zero-emission world,” said Euisun Chung, Hyundai’s vice chairman.
Long ranges and short refueling times make hydrogen an attractive future source of energy for electric mobility. This is particularly true for bigger vehicles, where the weight advantages of the fuel cell vehicle inherent to its design are particularly pronounced. Besides further advances in fuel cell tech, key aspects for its future market success include the regenerative production of hydrogen and sufficient infrastructure.
Within the VW Group, Audi has taken on the development responsibility for fuel cell tech and is currently working on its sixth generation, having already been working on fuel cell concepts for almost 20 years.
At the beginning of the next decade, Audi will introduce the first fuel cell model as a small series production. The “sporty SUV” will combine the premium comfort of the full-size segment with long-range capability, Audi says. The cross-license agreement with Hyundai is focused on the next development stage intended for a broader market offer.
Hyundai, one of the leaders in fuel cell tech, unveiled the Nexo earlier this year. The SUV, which is set to go on sale later this year, is lighter, faster and roomier compared to the Tucson FCEV, its previous fuel cell model. Range is 595 km, and the Nexo does 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 9.5 seconds.
GALLERY: Hyundai Nexo FCEV
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“More than 600,000 jobs in Germany alone are at risk from the switch from internal combustion engine vehicles to battery cars.” Hadn’t thought about the loss of assembly jobs from electric cars. Hydrogen cars are electric as well, but as Hyundai points out, with far more parts needed by their fuel cells. Any way you look at it, the hydrogen economy makes more sense for a sustainable future.
But there is a national security component as well. Since hydrogen is better suited for military vehicle propulsion — as well as the now must have field electric power generation — the country that has the better fuel cell technology and more experienced workforce will be better off in defending itself and others in times of conflict. The bulky, noise and heavy diesel engines will not do anymore for military use. The country that accepts this inevitability and makes a timely switch to hydrogen fuel cells will thus have an advantage. And this advantage will extend beyond military vehicles and into the upcoming military robots that need fuel cells along with batteries for field use. As was the case with the internal combustion engine then, the country that has experience with fuel cells will have a strategic advantage in the not-so-distant future.
air force cant go supersonic on electric yet, jet fuel still rules the sky.
Even though Many Malaysians make fun of Kimch Cars, their tech and Progressing speed is way better than P1 and P2. Crap Koreancar company last time but now shoulder to German Premium Audi when it comes to Tech. Very impressive
But bashers say kimchi no RV, how?
Audi and bmw also no rv how?
Audi & Hyundai alredi collabo in terms of outlook lor.
Finally more going fuel cell.