(Seoul / South Korea) – The Hyundai Motor Group has presented plans at its global online forum “Hydrogen Wave” on how the group wants to use new technologies to pave the way for hydrogen as an energy source in transport and other sectors. In the future, all new buses and heavy trucks for the global market would be designed as fuel cell and battery-powered vehicles. By 2028 they want to be “the first global mobility provider to use their fuel cell system in all standard commercial vehicle models”.
To achieve this, Hyundai plans to introduce a new generation of fuel cell systems “at a more attractive price and with increased volume while providing even better durability and performance.” By 2030, vehicles with fuel cell technology should be offered at a price that is on par with a battery-electric vehicle. “Vision 2040” also extends to emergency and rescue services, autonomous container transport and high-performance sports vehicles.
The new systems are currently in the development phase. Thanks to a modular arrangement, 500 kilowatts to one megawatt are possible, for example for use as an emergency power system for large ships or IT companies.
New vehicle concepts
Vehicle construction has already started with series production of “a greatly improved version” of the current Hyundai fuel cell heavy-duty truck XCIENT Fuel Cell. As reported, the truck is in test operation California brought onto the street. Also in the Switzerland it has already been introduced and even delivered to customers. However, according to the latest information, a configuration for Germany is currently not planned. The “Trailer Drone” concept vehicle, in contrast, is a hydrogen-powered container transport system that works autonomously. 
Thanks to a large number of intelligently located hydrogen tanks, the vehicle can achieve a range of more than 1.000 kilometers with a single refueling, comparable to existing container transport systems. During development, the engineers used a modified bogie known from the railway industry (“Fuel Cell e-Bogie”). This is located under the container and functions as a self-contained fuel cell drive with four-wheel steering. The “Trailer Drone” has two such “Fuel Cell e-Bogie” systems, which also enable lateral movements. The vehicle can move autonomously through port facilities, for example. In “cluster mode” several trailers drive together close behind each other (platooning).
Visions and concepts
Another concept is a hydrogen-powered hybrid sports car called “Vision FK”. With a maximum output of over 500 kW, it accelerates from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in less than four seconds. One tank of fuel is enough for 600 kilometers.
The fuel cell-powered concept vehicle called “Rescue Drone” can be used remotely to fight fires and save lives. The steering system allows circular movements on the spot. Rescue workers could use a drone attached to the vehicle to get an overview of the situation. One tank of fuel is enough for 450 to 500 kilometers.
A heavy-duty vehicle “H Moving Station” is designed as a mobile filling station for areas with a limited supply of hydrogen refueling options. Another concept is called the “Rescue Hydrogen Generator Vehicle” (RHGV) – a hydrogen-powered generator that can, for example, supply vehicles in remote regions and off-road with electricity.
Applications not just for the transport sector
The group also aims to expand the scope of fuel cell systems and technologies to all areas of the energy sector, including the provision of electricity and heat for buildings, urban energy sources and power plants. This also included investments in the global development of “hydrogen ecosystems”. The aim is to “make hydrogen usable for everyone, everywhere,” explained CEO Euisun Chung. “We want to offer practical solutions for the sustainable development of humanity in all areas of life and contribute to the creation of a global hydrogen society by 2040.”
Illustration above
“Trailer Drone” concept vehicle: a hydrogen-powered container transport system that can work autonomously. © Hyundai Motor Group
Center representation
Visions of new vehicles: autonomous transport systems for containers and rescue vehicles with flying drones. © Hyundai Motor Group
