Clearly committed to hydrogen
8 minute read
If there is a power source that promises sustainability and availability, it's hydrogen.
For 27 years, we at Hyundai have worked tirelessly to unlock hydrogen's potential as a fuel that can power the future while benefiting generations to come. Our hydrogen journey has taken us from the very first developmental steps to advanced fuel cell technology that is helping shape the world around us. As we have done over the past decades, we will remain committed to hydrogen in the years to come.
Bold determination for
future generations
When Hyundai Motor Company decided to develop fuel cell electric vehicles in 1998, we had no choice but to pave our own path. There was neither a guarantee of future success nor a promise of immediate profits. This endeavor was solely driven by a sense of commitment in creating a sustainable world for future generations. This bold plan to revolutionize the future of mobility began with using hydrogen fuel cells, which were also the power source of Apollo 11, the spacecraft that first took humanity to the moon in 1969. To kick off our hydrogen energy development, we partnered with UTC Power, a U.S. company that also supplied hydrogen fuel cells to NASA.
From fast follower to taking the lead
With no commercialized hydrogen fuel cell technology in Korea in the early 2000s, our researchers sought out leading companies in other countries. Hyundai eventually partnered with UTC Power and embarked on co-developing a fuel cell electric vehicle. This project was called ‘Mercury project’, named after the planet closest to the sun, embodying Hyundai’s dream to catch up with the leading companies. In exchanging approximately 2,600 documents with UTC Power researchers, Hyundai successfully accumulated hydrogen fuel cell technology. Seven researchers dispatched to the U.S. worked in alternating shifts with UTC Power researchers, deliberately remaining jetlagged and alternating day and night shifts to expedite vehicle development.
After six months of tireless research, ‘MERCURY I,’ the first fuel cell electric vehicle developed in collaboration with UTC Power was introduced in 2000. MERCURY I participated in and was even awarded at the ‘2001 Michelin Challenge Bibendum’, a sustainable mobility event. This was a chance to showcase Hyundai’s hydrogen vehicle technology to the world.
Independently developed
hydrogen fuel cell stack
While the Mercury project was underway, the ‘Polaris project’ was simultaneously being carried out in Korea, aiming to independently develop hydrogen fuel cell stacks, the key component of FCEVs. As explorers looked up to the North Star during the Age of Exploration to reach their destination, this project symbolizes the firm determination to achieve the goal of independent fuel cell stack development.
Although the Polaris Project was akin to creating something out of nothing, our researchers were determined to succeed and bring the project to life. Despite the challenges posed by using graphite as the material for fuel cell bipolar plates, the team painstakingly stacked 400 graphite bipolar plates, conducting numerous tests to ensure gas did not leak from the stack.
After relentless effort, our researchers finally succeeded in independently developing the fuel cell stack in 2004. It was a moment of their unwavering determination finally coming to fruition. The vehicle developed through the Polaris project achieved significant milestones, winning an award at the 2007 Michelin Challenge Bibendum and successfully completing road tours in America in 2008 and 2009 consecutively.
Much like the process of carefully stacking fuel cell plates, our subsequent research has added one vital layer after another to reach breakthroughs in fuel cell research. In 2005, Honorary Chairman Mong-Koo Chung established the Mabuk Eco-friendly Technology Research Center to recognize the researchers' efforts. The center is located where Korea's first independently developed engine, the 'Alpha-Engine,' was created by Hyundai.
The following year, during his visit to the Mabuk Research Center, Honorary Chairman Mong-Koo Chung promised full support to the researchers despite the uncertainty surrounding the commercialization of hydrogen-electric vehicles.
The TUCSON ix Fuel Cell shows the way
In the mid-2000s, the sudden financial crisis and the shift towards battery electric vehicles led to a stagnation in interest in hydrogen power. However, we were determined to turn said crisis into an opportunity. Driven by our commitment to creating a better future for the coming generations, we boldly decided to mass-produce hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.
After more than a year of research, we succeeded in redesigning the stack, moving away from traditional graphite bipolar plates to cheaper and thinner metal bipolar plates, optimal for mass production. The result came in 2013 with the introduction of the TUCSON ix Fuel Cell, which proudly debuted as the world's first mass-produced hydrogen fuel cell vehicle.
However, this technical breakthrough still had to find the right markets. That’s when our researchers went above and beyond their regular R&D duties. Initially, they planned to sell 1,000 hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, targeting Europe, where interest in hydrogen vehicles remained. To make that goal a reality, our researchers even developed sales plans to drive the sales of this unprecedented vehicle. Through their relentless dedication, we succeeded in selling 1,000 units.
Next-level innovation with NEXO
In 2018, we debuted the NEXO, Hyundai’s first dedicated hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. Following its launch, NEXO earned the highest Euro NCAP(New Car Assessment Program) safety rating and passed rigorous tests. In 2019, Wards Auto named it one of the '10 Best Engines'.
Hyundai ranked #1 in cumulative passenger hydrogen vehicle sales and even began exporting hydrogen fuel cell systems to other countries. Once a follower in hydrogen technology, we have proudly become the leader in commercializing hydrogen vehicles. Since its reveal, the NEXO has gradually made hydrogen a welcome part of our daily lives.
INITIUM:
Driving the hydrogen society
One fascinating car debut deserves another, which is why we will also be revealing our concept car, INITIUM. The name INITIUM is derived from Latin and means 'beginning' or 'first', symbolizing its role as a pioneer in advancing hydrogen society. The vehicle showcases differentiated design and top-tier safety, reflecting our commitment and journey toward leading the hydrogen society.
Hyundai Motor’s clear, unwavering commitment to hydrogen over the past 27 years is rooted in our belief in its potential as a clean, accessible and therefore fair energy source for everyone.
We are dedicated to pioneering a future where hydrogen is used by everyone, in everything, and everywhere.
Jaehoon Chang, President and Chief Executive Officer of Hyundai Motor Company
Much has changed over the 27 years since Hyundai began developing hydrogen powered vehicles, but what remains constant is hydrogen’s fairness, its abundance, and our clear commitment to passing on a better tomorrow to future generations. We invite you to join us on this journey.
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