South Korea’s Hyundai Motor Group (HMG), including Hyundai Motor and Kia Corporation, has announced it has signed a new agreement with US-based W L Gore & Associates (Gore) to strengthen their collaboration in the development of advanced polymer electrolyte membranes (PEM) for hydrogen fuel-cell systems.
The agreement was signed this week at the Mabuk Eco-Friendly R&D Center in South Korea, to establish a new joint venture focused on the development of PEM materials for next-generation hydrogen fuel cell systems.
The automaker explained that PEMs conduct protons between two electrodes and block the direct combination of incoming hydrogen and oxygen gases, facilitating the selective conduction of protons to generate an electrical current. Thus, PEM technology plays a crucial role in determining the performance and durability of fuel cell systems.
HMG said it has collaborated with Delaware-based Gore in the field of fuel cells for 15 years. This latest agreement focuses on the joint development an optimal fuel cell system for commercial vehicles, with a specific emphasis on enhancing performance and durability.
Gore brings its expertise in PEM, catalyst coated membrane and MEA (Membrane Electrode Assembly) technologies to the new partnership, which will be combined with HMG’s advanced fuel cell expertise.
HMG confirmed it aims to roll out advanced PEM technology in next-generation fuel cell systems for passenger cars, commercial vehicles and non-automotive sectors including marine, aerospace and power generation.
Chang Hwan Kim, head of battery and hydrogen fuel cell development at HMG, said in a statement “we are entering the next chapter of our partnership with Gore. By leveraging the 15 years of collaboration, we will acquire advanced fuel cell technology and lead the fuel cell electric vehicle market, accelerating the movement towards a sustainable future”.
Gore Clean Energy Business Group Leader, Michelle Augustine, confirmed “we look forward to advancing our long-standing partnership with Hyundai Motor and Kia. Leveraging our advanced PEM technology solutions, we will work together with Hyundai Motor and Kia to enable them to deliver fuel cell vehicles that provide a performance and cost advantage to consumers”.
