Hyundai Motor Group (HMG) has launched a five-year partnership with three Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), including IIT Delhi, IIT Bombay and IIT Madras, to collaborate in the development of electric vehicle (EV) batteries and electrification technologies.
The South Korean automaker said it will sponsor a “Hyundai Center of Excellence” (CoE) to be established within IIT Delhi, which will have the primary objective of “taking the lead in driving advancements in batteries and electrification, specifically designed to meet the unique requirements of the Indian market.”
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HMG said it plans to invest around US$7m over five years, between 2025 and 2029, to fund joint research into battery and electrification – with a particular focus on developing software and adapting hydrogen fuel cell technologies for the local market.
A signing ceremony for the partnership was held at IIT Delhi this week, attended by Prof Rangan Banerjee, Director at IIT Delhi; Dean Sachin C Patwardhan of IIT Bombay; and Dean Manu Santhanam of IIT Madras. The CoE will facilitate “technical and human exchanges” between battery and electrification experts from South Korea and India, organize special lectures by HMG’s battery and electrification experts and arrange special training programmes in South Korea.
HMG said the “collaboration will involve the Centre for Automotive Research and Tribology (CART), the only EV-related research institute in India, located within IIT Delhi.”
Naksup Sung, head of Hyundai Motor Group’s Research and Development (R&D) Planning & Coordination Centre, said at the event: “We are delighted to join forces with IITs, a group of leading engineering universities renowned for its exceptional education and research. We believe that the Hyundai CoE will cultivate a strong network of talented individuals from India’s academic landscape, driving innovation and future growth.”
HMG confirmed it plans to play a key role in the establishment of an electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem in India “in conjunction with various policies for expanding EV distribution, implemented by the Indian government.”
The company pointed out “these partnerships align with HMG’s efforts to expand its presence in India, following the successful IPO of Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL). HMG believes that Hyundai CoE will play a pivotal role in strengthening not only HMIL’s commitment to India, reflecting the shared vision of mutual growth and collaboration, but also capabilities for research on advanced technologies and development of India-specific products.”
