With car manufacturers looking to reduce environmental damage, there have been a number of initiatives introduced. Hyundai and Audi have declared a hydrogen partnership that will see both companies work together to create car fuel cell technology. The partnership will see the development of fuel cell cars, a type of zero-emissions vehicle that runs on hydrogen.
Peter Mertens, Board Member for Technical Development at AUDI AG, explained the decision. “The fuel cell is the most systematic form of electric driving and thus a potent asset in our technology portfolio for the emission-free premium mobility of the future. On our FCEV roadmap, we are joining forces with strong partners such as Hyundai. For the breakthrough of this sustainable technology, cooperation is the smart way to leading innovations with attractive cost structures.”
Audi is leading the development of hydrogen fuel cells within the Volkswagen Group. It’s thought they are developing FCEV road cars to be introduced in 2020. Hyundai are a leader in creating fuel cell cars, so the partnership makes a lot of sense.
Chairman of Hyundai, Euisun Chung, commented on the collaboration. “This agreement is another example of Hyundai’s strong commitment to creating a more sustainable future whilst enhancing consumers’ lives with hydrogen-powered vehicles, the fastest way to a truly zero-emission world. We are confident that the Hyundai Motor Group-Audi partnership will successfully demonstrate the vision and benefits of FCEVs to the global society.”
As well as sharing assets, Audi and Hyundai intend to “spur innovation” in H2 tech to prove “more advanced mobility options” to customers. A hydrogen fuel cell uses an electrochemical reaction to transform hydrogen and oxygen into electricity and water. This can be applied to cars being refuelled quickly and having zero-emissions mobility.
Challenges arise in the creation and distribution of hydrogen. Even though it’s the most readily available atom in the universe it can be expensive to acquire. There are only a small number of hydrogen filling stations in the UK. Nevertheless, Hydrogen can be produced through electrolysis. This involves renewable electricity ‘splitting’ water into oxygen and hydrogen.
Hyundai has identified regenerative hydrogen production as a key factor in it being a successful fuel for the future.
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