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Hydrogen Energy

Technology and Innovation

Fueling our sustainable future.

Hyundai became a global first-mover in hydrogen fuel cell technology with the launch of the ix35 Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV), the world's first mass produced car powered by Hydrogen. Since then, we have introduced next-generation FCEVs, commercial FCEVs, and even future mobility solutions.

Why we need Hydrogen energy.

Attention on Hydrogen as a sustainable and effective energy source is growing, as our cities and societies continue to move toward alternative methods of energy production and storage. As one of the most abundant elements in the universe, hydrogen offers a long-lasting solution to the issues facing the energy sector today. The future of Hydrogen has never been more promising.
  1. Hyundai NEXO Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle parked in front of a skyscraper.

    Eco-friendly.

    Unlike conventional fossil fuels, hydrogen generates only water, electricity, and heat, and does not emit greenhouse gases or fine dust particles.

  2. Inside a hydrogen storage facility.

    Storable and portable.

    When liquefied, hydrogen volume can be reduced to 1/800. This ensures that, when compressed in high pressure tanks, hydrogen is easily to store and transport.

  3. Hyundai NEXO Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle driving on a city street.

    Highly efficient.

    Hydrogen fuel cells are 50-60% efficient when producing electricity alone and 80-90% when the emitted heat is recycled.

    Green Hydrogen

    Progress with positive energy.

    Currently, most hydrogen is produced through an extraction method, which uses natural gas composed of carbon and hydrogen. This is cheaper than any other way but indeed emits greenhouse gas during the process. "Green" hydrogen lives up to the zero-emission promise and has been hailed "the fuel of the future."
    1. A dog looking out the window of a Hyundai NEXO Fuel Cell Electric vehicle being fueled.

      What is green hydrogen?

      “Green” hydrogen is produced through electrolysis, generating zero carbon emissions. It uses electricity from renewable energy – such as wind or solar power – to split water into hydrogen and oxygen.
    2. Logo of Next Hydrogen Corporation.

      Boosting green hydrogen.

      In August 2021, Hyundai announced a collaboration with Next Hydrogen Corporation to jointly develop an alkaline water electrolysis system and boost cost-effective production of clean hydrogen.
    3. Women standing next to a Hyundai NEXO FCEV parked on a country road.

      All in for green hydrogen.

      From production and distribution to hydrogen usage in private cars, trucks, busses and all manner of mobility, Hyundai is invested in being part of the shift towards a hydrogen society.

      Fuel Cell Vehicles

      Coming together for an emission-free future.

      In 2013 Hyundai launched the ix35 Fuel Cell, the first commercially mass-produced hydrogen fuel cell vehicle in the world. The vehicle’s quick refueling time and long driving range, combined with its environmental conservation, provide greater benefits for all. Since then, Hyundai has launched the second generation, NEXO, and XCIENT, our fuel cell heavy-duty commercial truck.
      Hyundai ix35 Fuel Cell, the world's first mass-produced FCEV.

      The trailblazer: ix35 Fuel Cell.

      After establishing a fuel cell department in 1998, Hyundai launched the world’s first mass-produced FCEV in 2013, equipped with our own fuel cell system. 
      Hyundai NEXO Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle parked on a city street.

      The second generation: NEXO.

      The launch of NEXO gained worldwide attention for its eco-friendliness, performance, convenience, safety features, and price.  
      NEXO

      How it works.

      Understand the technology that drives hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.
      Engine of the Hyundai NEXO.
      Fuel Cell powertrains

      Committed to hydrogen in all modes of transportation.

      Zero-emission commercial transport is already a reality in Switzerland. Hyundai is taking a two-pronged approach by putting fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) on the road while working with local partners towards supporting the expansion of a hydrogen refueling infrastructure.
      More on Fuel Cell Trucks
      XCIENT fuel cell truck driving on a country road.

      Partnership H2Energy.

      Hyundai Hydrogen Mobility (HHM) is a joint venture between Hyundai Motor Europe and Swiss innovator H2 Energy. HMM leases XCIENT Fuel Cell trucks to commercial shipping companies around Switzerland and Europe.
      Read more.

      5 million km in two years.

      Starting in 2020, the company exported 47 units of the hydrogen-powered, zero-emission commercial trucks to 23 Swiss companies, which are using them for logistics, distribution and supermarket fulfillment. Now, in 2022, XCIENT Fuel Cell is the world’s first heavy-duty fuel cell truck to achieve 5 million km of cumulative driving in real-life customer operation.
      Mark Freymueller, Senior Vice President and Head of Commercial Vehicle Business Innovation at Hyundai Motor Company
      The experience we’ve gained and the milestone we’ve achieved in Switzerland will provide good insights to many countries that are preparing to transition to a sustainable hydrogen society.

      - Mark Freymueller, Senior Vice President and Head of Commercial Vehicle Business Innovation at Hyundai Motor Company -

      1. How we achieved it.

        In 2019 Hyundai Motor established Hyundai Hydrogen Mobility (HHM) in partnership with Swiss company H2 Energy which partnered with H2 Mobility Switzerland Association, a hydrogen fueling network builder and XCIENT customer, and green hydrogen production company Hydrospider. Hyundai Motor is playing a crucial role in creating an emission-free, green hydrogen fuel cell heavy-duty truck ecosystem where vehicle supply, hydrogen fueling, and green hydrogen production are organically connected.

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      1. The engine.

        The XCIENT Fuel Cell is equipped with a 180-kW hydrogen fuel cell system with two 90-kW fuel cell stacks. The system’s durability and the vehicle’s overall fuel efficiency are tailored to the demands of commercial fleet customers. The 350-kW e-motor with maximum torque of 2,237 Nm enables dynamic driving performance.

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      1. The fuel tanks.

        Its seven large hydrogen tanks offer a combined storage capacity of around 31 kg of fuel, while a 72-kWh-powered set of three batteries supports the performance. The driving range is over 400 km per charge in real world conditions. Refueling a full tank of hydrogen takes about 8 to 20 minutes, depending on the ambient temperature.

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      The future in Germany.

      In August 2022, Hyundai Motor announced its successful entry into Germany with seven local companies planning to deploy XCIENT Fuel Cell trucks into fleet service with the German government’s funding for an eco-friendly commercial vehicle initiative.

      Aaaand California.

      More recently, Hyundai Motor secured the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s 2021 Targeted Airshed Grants (TAG) funding to deploy further XCIENT Fuel Cell trucks in California in addition to 30 trucks which will be rolled out in the NorCal Zero project starting their operation in the Port of Oakland mid next year.

      A glimpse into the future.

      1. A woman standing in front of the sea with sun shining on her face.

        Carbon Neutrality.

        Explore Carbon Neutrality.

      2. A diver from Ghost Divers recovering marine debris underwater.

        Sustainability.

        Discover sustainability.

      3. Future Vision.

        Defining the future of mobility.

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