SEOUL, January 5, 2024 – In a significant move towards advancing hydrogen fuel cell technology, Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation have partnered with W. L. Gore & Associates. This collaboration, formalized at the Mabuk Eco-Friendly R&D Center in Korea, focuses on developing a state-of-the-art polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) for next-generation fuel cell electric commercial vehicles.
Hydrogen fuel cells, which use PEMs to conduct protons and generate electrical power, are at the heart of this joint effort. The PEM’s role is critical as it prevents the direct mixing of hydrogen and oxygen gases while allowing proton conduction. This process is key to the fuel cell’s performance and longevity.
The partnership leverages over 15 years of collaboration between Hyundai Motor, Kia, and Gore in the fuel cell domain. The focus now shifts to enhancing the performance and durability of fuel cell systems for commercial vehicles.
Chang Hwan Kim, Head of Battery Development and Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Development at Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation, expressed enthusiasm about this new chapter with Gore. He emphasized the goal of harnessing advanced fuel cell technology to lead the market and push towards a more sustainable future.
Gore, a leader in advanced materials based in Delaware, USA, contributes its expertise in PEM, Catalyst Coated Membrane, and MEA (Membrane Electrode Assembly) technologies. This expertise, combined with Hyundai Motor and Kia’s advanced fuel cell knowledge, aims to integrate innovative PEM technology into a range of applications, including passenger cars, commercial vehicles, and beyond.
Michelle Augustine, Gore Clean Energy Business Group Leader, also shared her excitement about deepening the long-standing partnership with Hyundai Motor and Kia. She highlighted the potential of Gore’s advanced PEM solutions in enhancing the performance and cost-efficiency of future fuel cell vehicles.
This initiative is part of Hyundai Motor Group’s ongoing commitment to hydrogen technology, a journey that spans 25 years and led to the establishment of the HTWO hydrogen business brand in 2020. The Group continues to expand its fuel cell business globally, covering diverse sectors like passenger and commercial vehicles, marine vessels, aerospace, power generation, and more.
