The car company is committed to a sustainable hydrogen society. The Koreans want to use the energy source primarily in commercial vehicles – but not only.
The Hyundai Motor Group, which includes the car brands Hyundai, Kia and Genesis, hosted the "Hydrogen Wave" on Tuesday (September 7th, 2021) - a global digital forum dedicated to hydrogen based products and technologies of the Group. The Koreans also gave insights into their visions for the future. The online event took place on the occasion of the annual "International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies" established by South Korea.
"Hyundai Motor Group's vision is to apply the energy of hydrogen to all aspects of life and industry," says Euisun Chung, Chairman of Hyundai Motor Group. The group wants to offer practical solutions for the sustainable development of humanity in all areas of life and contribute to the creation of a global hydrogen society by 2040. "The goal is to make hydrogen usable for everyone, everywhere," says Chung. Hyundai now wants to start with the preparatory work and gradually expand its offerings based on hydrogen technologies.
Fuel cell sports car
Hyundai has released three teaser videos in advance that give a small preview of what to expect. The first teaser shows a sporty coupé that darts dynamically across a race track. This is the Vision FK, which is equipped with a 500 kW /680 hp fuel cell. The concept study is said to be able to accelerate from zero to one hundred in under four seconds and is equipped with red brake calipers. The drive is designed as a plug-in layout; electrical energy can also be stored in a battery. Hyundai states a total range of over 600 kilometers. The E-GMP platform should serve as a substructure for future fuel cell models.
Since 2018, Hyundai has already had a corresponding technology with technical data of 163 hp and a maximum of 395 Newton meters ready for series production with the Nexo . However, the group is already developing the third generation of its fuel cell drive, which will be available in two power levels: 100 kW /136 hp and 200 kW /272 hp. The Koreans have succeeded in making the package noticeably smaller in order to create more flexible application options for different vehicle types. Since the system has a modular structure, power values of up to one megawatt can even be displayed, which in the maximum range is more suitable for ships or stationary applications in houses.In general, the technology should be so inexpensive that by 2030 the prices for Hyundai vehicles with fuel cell technology will be at the level of a battery electric vehicle.
Next generation of fuel cell commercial vehicles
The second video snippet is about commercial vehicles with hydrogen technology. Here, too, the Koreans already have an iron in the fire with the Truck Xcient that has been on offer since last year. It is already undergoing a pilot test in Switzerland and is to be introduced across the whole of Europe. In addition, there is the Elec City Fuel Cell, a hydrogen-powered city bus that is being tested in Munich, for example.
However, Hyundai's new strategy goes much further: by 2028, all of the Koreans' commercial vehicle models should be available with electric drives; and this is both hydrogen and battery-based. This initiative applies to both heavy trucks and buses. Since the commercial vehicle sector emits relatively large amounts of CO2 and requires longer ranges compared to the passenger car sector, starting the initiative in this area makes the most sense, says Hyundai.
Hydrogen-powered container transport system
In order not to waste time, the production of an advanced version of the Hyundai Xcient Fuel Cell truck has already started. On this basis, the group is now also driving forward the development of a tractor that is scheduled to come onto the market in 2024. In addition, there is a light commercial vehicle that is five to seven meters long and can be adapted to many purposes.
At the "Hydrogen Wave" forum, Hyundai also presented the "Trailer Drone" concept, a hydrogen-powered container transport system that can work completely autonomously. The Trailer Drone has several large hydrogen tanks, which should ensure a range of more than 1,000 kilometers. Thanks to special bogies, which are comparable to those of railway wagons, the concept has a kind of four-wheel steering and thus particularly good manoeuvrability. Platooning, i.e. driving several trailer drones in close succession, should also be possible.
Hydrogen vehicles from small to large
Hyundai also presented a precise model timetable as part of the event. In addition to a 1.18 meter long minicar for children, this includes the hydrogen-powered M.Vision Pop city car with a length of 2.60 meters, which should be able to turn on the spot and park automatically. Above that, the M.Vision 2Go, is a 3.20 meter delivery van for the last mile. In addition to the next generation of the Xcient fuel cell truck, Hyundai is also planning a tractor and a tram, the drives of which are each based on Xcient technology.
But Hyundai is thinking ahead with hydrogen mobility.Whether urban air mobility, robots, airplanes and large ships: According to the Koreans, fuel cell drives could be used anywhere. Among other things, in the form of a "Rescue Drone" that can be remotely controlled and used autonomously to fight fires and save lives. With its independent steering system, the vehicle is able to turn in place and move like a crab on the ground. It can achieve a range of 450 to 500 kilometers on a full tank. A drone belonging to the vehicle provides the emergency services with the necessary images from the accident area.
Hyundai also wants to take care of the infrastructure
In order for the thing with the sustainable hydrogen society to work, the Koreans are also taking care of an appropriate infrastructure - and not just stationary. The heavy-duty vehicle "H Moving Station" is equipped with refueling devices for fuel cell vehicles. This mobile hydrogen filling station is particularly suitable for areas with a limited range of filling options. The Rescue Hydrogen Generator Vehicle (RHGV) is a size smaller. It supplies electric vehicles with electricity, which urgently need energy in remote regions off the road.
Hyundai also wants to explore all possibilities to expand fuel cell systems and technologies to all areas of the energy sector. Hydrogen could therefore be used as an energy carrier in the provision of electricity and heat for buildings, urban energy sources and power plants. For this purpose, Hyundai intends to provide a new generation of fuel cell systems that combine an attractive price with an increased volume while at the same time offering better durability and performance.
Conclusion
In the future, Hyundai will use hydrogen as an energy source more consistently than any other car manufacturer. Cars, commercial vehicles, the corresponding infrastructure – and much more are being considered. The Koreans think of the topic holistically and seem to be prepared for all requirements in this area. If the hydrogen breakthrough succeeds, then it will be in this well thought-out way. Nevertheless, Hyundai is making a risky bet with this strategy: what if hydrogen does not become established as an energy carrier and the billions of euros invested in the technology have ended up being in vain?
