Hyundai, Kia join hands with Gore to develop hydrogen fuel cell material

South Korea’s top automaker Hyundai Motor Group said on Friday it has signed an agreement with W. L. Gore & Associates Inc., a US materials science company, to jointly develop a key material used in hydrogen fuel cells.

Under the deal, the automotive group’s two car-making units – Hyundai Motor Co. and Kia Corp. – will collaborate with Gore to develop advanced polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) for next-generation hydrogen fuel cells to run commercial electric vehicles.

Hydrogen fuel cells utilize PEM to conduct protons between two electrodes to generate the electrical current to power fuel cell EVs (FCEVs).

The PEM technology plays a crucial role in determining the performance and durability of the fuel cell system.

Headquartered in Newark, Delaware, Gore is best known as the developer of waterproof, breathable Gore-Tex fabrics.

Combining Gore's pioneering PEM technology with Hyundai Motor and Kia’s advanced fuel cell expertise, the Korean automakers aim to develop next-generation fuel cell systems for passenger cars, commercial vehicles and non-automotive sectors.

For over 15 years, Hyundai, Kia and Gore have been collaborating in the field of fuel cells.

Building on the long relationship, the partners will now focus on jointly developing an optimal fuel cell system for commercial vehicles, with a specific emphasis on enhancing performance and durability, Hyundai said.

“We are entering the next chapter of our partnership with Gore,” said Kim Chang-hwan, head of Battery Development and Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Development at Hyundai Motor Group.

“By leveraging our partnership, we will acquire advanced fuel cell technology and lead the fuel cell electric vehicle market, accelerating our advance into a sustainable future,” he said.

HTWO BRAND

The collaboration builds on Hyundai Motor Group's 25-year focus on hydrogen technology, which led to the establishment of the HTWO hydrogen business brand in 2020.

The group is actively expanding its fuel cell business globally, covering various sectors, including passenger and commercial vehicles, marine vessels, aerospace applications and power generation.

Hyundai plans to unveil its vision to build a hydrogen ecosystem at CES 2024, the world’s largest consumer electronics exhibition, in Las Vegas next week.

“We look forward to advancing our longstanding partnership with Hyundai Motor and Kia,” said Michelle Augustine, leader of Gore Clean Energy Business Group. “Leveraging our advanced PEM technology solutions, we will work together with Hyundai and Kia to enable them to deliver fuel cell vehicles that provide a performance and cost advantage to consumers.”

Write to Nan-Sae Bin at binthere@hankyung.com

In-Soo Nam edited this article.