Audi and Hyundai will collaborate on the development of hydrogen cars

Audi and Hyundai will jointly work to develop one of the most environmentally friendly forms of mobility on the planet.

Audi and the Hyundai group (Kia and Hyundai) want to jointly drive forward the development of hydrogen cars (FCEV). The two manufacturers plan to sign a collaboration agreement to bring fuel cell technology into large-scale series production. To this end, both groups will create a shared manufacturing structure in order to reduce the costs involved in producing hydrogen cars.

“The fuel cell (FCEV) is the most systematic form of electric propulsion and therefore a powerful asset in our portfolio of emission-free premium mobility technologies for the future,” says Peter Mertens, Director of Technical Development at Audi. “In our roadmap for FCEV technology development, we are joining forces with strong partners such as Hyundai. To advance this sustainable technology, cooperation is the smart way to achieve leading innovations with attractive cost structures.”

“We are confident that our partnership with Audi will successfully demonstrate the vision and benefits of FCEV technology for global society,” explains Euisun Chung, Vice Chairman of Hyundai. “This agreement is another example of Hyundai’s strong commitment to creating a more sustainable future, while improving the lives of consumers with hydrogen-powered vehicles, the fastest route to a truly emission-free world.”

The plans of Hyundai and Audi: hydrogen cars with long range

Long range and short refuelling times are the two main goals pursued by the two manufacturers with this agreement to build hydrogen cars. Hyundai and Audi also envisage regenerative hydrogen production as an energy source and the establishment of a suitable refuelling infrastructure.

Audi will present a hydrogen sports SUV

At the beginning of the next decade, Audi will present the first fuel cell model, initially in a small series. As a sporty SUV, the model will offer a long-range capability.

It should be recalled that the Hyundai group is no newcomer to the field. A few months ago, the South Korean firm presented the Hyundai NEXO FCEV, a hydrogen SUV with a range of 800 km according to the outdated NEDC cycle. For its part, Kia revealed its intention to produce a fuel cell saloon with the same range as the previous model.