Fuel Cell Technology Archives

Hyundai Motor Group aims to take lead in technology for future hydrogen society

Hydrogen is the most abundant element on earth and when used as an energy source, it does not generate carbon dioxide which is known to cause negative climate change. It thus has great potential as a zero-emission energy source for a variety of products. For this reason, a number of leading global companies are carrying out R&D to develop processes to produce hydrogen efficiently and cost-effectively as well as to make use of it widely.

The Hyundai Motor Group (HMG) is among these companies and has announced its Hydrogen Vision 2040 to popularize hydrogen by 2040 for ‘Everyone, Everything and Everywhere’. Hydrogen Wave represents the group’s plans for a new ‘wave’ of hydrogen-based products and technologies toward a hydrogen society.

“By developing advanced technologies and innovative systems – as well as encouraging close collaboration between public and private sectors across the globe – it is possible to make this sustainable vision a reality for all,” said the Chairman of the HMG, Euisun Chung, at the Hyundai Wave global forum online today.

He explained that Hyundai Motor Group’s vision is to apply hydrogen energy in all areas of life and industry such as homes, workplaces and factories. “The goal is to make hydrogen readily used for everyone, everything, and everywhere,” said Mr. Chung. “We want to offer practical solutions for the sustainable development of humanity and with these breakthroughs, we aim to help foster a worldwide Hydrogen Society by 2040.”

Electrification of commercial vehicle models
In the context of the auto industry, HMG revealed unprecedented plans that will see the electrification of all new commercial vehicle models – featuring fuel cell electric or battery electric powertrains, as well as the application of fuel cell systems – to all models by 2028. Other future product concepts featuring fuel cell technologies include Trailer Drone, a high-performance sportscar, and fuel cell-equipped vehicles for emergency relief and rescue missions.

Since the development of its first (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) in 1998, HMG has been preparing for the future of hydrogen. In 2013, the Tucson FCEV (ix35 Fuel Cell) was introduced, opening the door to the mass production of FCEVs. Then, in 2018, the company launched the next-generation fuel cell SUV, the NEXO, with the world’s first heavy-duty fuel cell truck, the XCIENT Fuel Cell, being unveiled last year. After 2 decades of fuel cell technology development, HMG will expand its fuel cell technologies for wider applications of its vehicles, including additional mobility solutions and various energy utilization.

Bringing costs down
Fuel cell systems using hydrogen to generate electricity are not only being used commercially for vehicles today but also have the potential for deployment across diverse applications by 2040. To achieve this, HMG is planning to introduce a new generation fuel cell system in 2023 with a reduced price and volume while also having significantly improved durability and output.

Through ongoing R&D gains, engineering teams have been able to reduce fuel cell costs drastically over the last 20 years. By ensuring price competitiveness, the goal is to achieve a fuel cell vehicle price point comparable to a battery electric vehicle (BEV) by 2030. Economies of scale of hydrogen production can be realised by continuous technological innovation of fuel cell systems as well as close collaboration with other organizations and governments across diverse business areas.

Next-generation fuel cell systems
HMG has developed a series of new fuel cell systems including a new prototype of its third-generation fuel cell stack. This is a higher-powered, efficiently packaged successor to the NEXO system that is planned for market introduction in 2023. Currently still in development, the third-generation fuel cell stack has 2 power versions – 100 kW and 200 kW.

The 100 kW stack has reduced in size by 30%, making it easier to apply to different vehicle types and applications. The 200 kW version is intended for commercial vehicle applications and is similar in size to the current NEXO system, but the power output has doubled.

Fuel cell technology for high-performance vehicle applications is showcased with a concept hydrogen-powered plug-in hybrid sportscar named the Vision FK. With a maximum output of over 500 kW, the Vision FK concept can accelerate from 0 – 100 km/h in less than 4 seconds. Combining a fuel cell energy converter with a high-power, RWD, plug-in powertrain, the Vision FK aims to achieve over 600 kms in range. The prototype is being developed in partnership with Rimac Automobili of Croatia (which HMG invested around US$90 million in).

High durability stacks for commercial vehicles will achieve 500,000 kms of drive range. Furthermore, the price of the third-generation fuel cell stack will be dramatically reduced – with projections being more than 50% – which will be the key factor to achieving cost parity of FCEVs with BEVs by 2030.

HMG will continue to develop hydrogen mobility, expand the production system of fuel cells and establish infrastructures for a global hydrogen society. “The degree and frequency of environmental disasters is rising fast, and we now face a code red warning for humanity,” said Mr. Chung. “The Group seeks to offer powerful and pragmatic solutions for combatting climate change via the tremendous potential of hydrogen energy.”

HydroVILLE to showcase hydrogen vision
Following the Hydrogen Wave forum, HMG will be presenting its plans for hydrogen energy and a global hydrogen society at its ‘Hydrogen Village’ (HydroVILLE) exhibition in Goyang, Korea, this week. HydroVILLE’s various zones will illustrate the Group’s future hydrogen vision. The exhibition space features several fuel cell concepts for future mobility and power generation, including 18 models from Hyundai Motor Group affiliates such as Hyundai Motor, Kia, Hyundai Mobis, Hyundai Rotem, Hyundai Steel, Hyundai Wia and Hyundai Kefico.

Hyundai IONIQ 5 EV to be used for fully autonomous robotaxi by Motional

First look at the hydrogen fuel cell powertrain being developed by BMW and Toyota

Besides collaborating on the BMWZ4 and Toyota Supra, the BMW Group and Toyota have been working together on fuel cell technology. As Toyota has already commercialised a fuel cell vehicle (the Mirai), it can offer a good deal of knowledge and information to developing the alternative powertrain technology.

“We are convinced that various alternative powertrain systems will exist alongside one another in future, as there is no single solution that addresses the full spectrum of customers’ mobility requirements worldwide. The hydrogen fuel cell technology could quite feasibly become the fourth pillar of our powertrain portfolio in the long term. The upper-end models in our extremely popular X family would make particularly suitable candidates here,” said Klaus Frohlich, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Research and Development.

The BMW Group has been working with Toyota on fuel cell technology since 2013. Now it can offer the first virtual insights into the powertrain system for the BMW i Hydrogen NEXT.

Future prospects
Although the BMW Group has no doubt as to the long-term potential of fuel cell powertrain systems, it will be some time before the company offers its customers a production car powered by hydrogen fuel cell technology. This is primarily due to the fact that the right framework conditions are not yet in place.

“In our view, hydrogen as energy carrier must first be produced in sufficient quantities at a competitive price using green electricity. Hydrogen will then be used primarily in applications that cannot be directly electrified, such as long-distance heavy-duty transport,” said Frohlich.

The requisite infrastructure, such as an extensive Europe-wide network of hydrogen filling stations, is also lacking at present. However, the BMW Group is pressing ahead with its development work in the field of hydrogen fuel cell technology. The company is using the time until the infrastructure and sustainably produced hydrogen supply are in place to substantially reduce the cost of manufacturing the powertrain system.

Initial technical details
The fuel cell system for the powertrain for the BMW i Hydrogen NEXT generates up to 125 kW (170 bhp) of electric energy from the chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen from the ambient air. The vehicle emits nothing but water vapour. The electric converter located underneath the fuel cell adapts the voltage level to that of both the electric powertrain and the peak power battery, which is fed by brake energy as well as the energy from the fuel cell.

BMW Toyota hydrogen fuel cell technology — *The two high-pressure tanks to store hydrogen can be filled up within a few minutes.*

The vehicle also accommodates a pair of tanks that can together hold 6 kgs of hydrogen. Refuelling only takes 3 to 4 minutes and the capacity of the tanks gives a long range of travel.

The fifth-generation eDrive unit set to make its debut in the BMW iX3 is also fully integrated into the BMW i Hydrogen NEXT. This hydrogen fuel cell electric powertrain will go through a pilot run in a small batch of SUVs based on the current BMW X5 that the BMW Group plans to present in 2022. However, volume production with hydrogen fuel cell technology will only start in the second half of this decade, at the earliest. That too will depend on the global market conditions and requirements.

Toyota Mirai FCV — *Toyota’s hydrogen fuel cell system already in use in the Mirai.*

Toyota Mirai — *The Mirai FCV has been on sale since 2014 in selected markets. A second generation has already been developed and will be launched at the end of this year.*

Collaboration with Toyota
Besides partnering with the Japanese carmaker on the development and industrialisation of fuel cell technology for the mass market, the two companies are also founding members of the Hydrogen Council. A wealth of other leading companies in the energy, transport and industrial sectors have joined the Hydrogen Council since 2017, swelling its ranks to over 80 members. The BMW Group’s participation in the research project BRYSON (a German acronym for ‘space-efficient hydrogen storage tanks with optimised usability’) underlines its faith in the future viability and potential of hydrogen fuel cell technology.

Toyota to start selling second generation of Mirai hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle in late 2020

Genesis GV80 Concept SUV unveiled at New York

Genesis, Hyundai’s luxury sub-brand has unveiled a new SUV Fuel Cell concept vehicle at the New York International Motorshow. Meant to be a futuristic SUV powered by hydrogen, the vehicle, called the GV80 Concept SUV, features a design that conforms to the current design language used by the contemporary crop of Genesis vehicles.

It incorporates the signature Genesis crest grille that stretches to over most of the front fascia. The vehicle has quad headlamps that encase jewel-like graphics, which lends a certain luxury appeal to its appearance. The futuristic rear tail lights feature laser fiber optic technology that is said to offer a unique Genesis lighting effect. The lower rear fascia is designed to channel air efficiently out of the vehicle to help cool the the fuel cell vehicle’s powertrain. Areas around the front wheels and side rocker panels feature cut-outs that help channel air cleanly through to aid better aero flow.

Hyundai has fitted 23-inch mesh alloy wheels which are designed to reduce weight and cool the large brake system. Electronic door handles sit flush inside the body work that help airflow and provide the car with a cleaner and more elegant look. The side pillars are constructed with structural trusses which provide the cabin with an airy feel.

Inside the GV80 features modern futuristic design thanks to a multi-function interactive controller with capacitive touch. Dominating the centre console is the 22-inch curved OLED infinity display which provides different information to the front driver and passenger. The top of the interactive multi-function controller features a concave gorilla glass touchpad and knurled metal wheel with handwriting recognition. Through the use of the touch control system, each if its metal strings allows direct access to the most commonly used functions including Navigation, Entertainment, Communication, and Environment.

The GV80 features a spacious cabin which is complemented by the ash wood centre console and floor boards. The GV80 features exquisite semi-aniline leather interior, with quilted diamond stitching on the interior door panels, seat inserts and center console side. The use of suede, dark gray leather and slate ash wood provide the vehicle with a luxury business appeal.

No word yet on whether the GV80 will actually make it on the showroom floor, but the vehicle that it eventually turns out to be will feature the Korean automaker’s latest Fuel Cell technology that will definitely appeal to the alternative fuel community. Unfortunately, there are very few places that have sufficient infrastructure to support hydrogen fuel cell technology for now. Unless more countries embrace the technology, it will take a long time for hydrogen power to make its mark in the automotive industry.

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