Major new fuel to be a 'fundamental part' of driving with huge car brand 'accelerating the pace'
The Hyundai Nexo is one of the world's few hydrogen passenger vehicles
HYUNDAI
The UK could become an industry leader in the development of alternative fuel vehicles following a new landmark announcement.
One of the world’s largest car production companies, Hyundai, has announced a new partnership with University College London to research “carbon-neutral future technologies”.
Hyundai signed a memorandum of understanding with UCL to look into hydrogen production, hydrogen fuel cells and electrification technology.
It became the world’s first company to commercialise a fuel cell electric vehicle and make practical use of hydrogen energy, with the brand promoting the new fuel source further.
WATCH NOW: Siobhan Baillie MP asks about hydrogen vehicles at PMQs
The South Korean brand already sells a popular hydrogen vehicle, the Nexo, which only produces water as a tailpipe emission.
Hyundai claims the stylish SUV can “purify the air” by removing micro-particulates and expelling unused air.
It can refuel in just five minutes, has an impressive range of 414 miles and offers a viable alternative to petrol and diesel.
The company has pledged to only sell zero emission electrified vehicles by 2040 in major markets, starting with Europe in 2035.
It will also replace 100 per cent of the electricity demand of its global operations with renewable energy by 2045.
Dr Michael Spence, UCL President and Provost, said: “New technologies, such as hydrogen generation, electric vehicles and fuel cells, are a fundamental part of international efforts to keep the global temperature rise within the goals set out in the Paris Agreement.
“This partnership will combine UCL’s world-leading engineering research with Hyundai’s expertise as one of the world’s leading automotive companies to accelerate the development of these vital technologies.”
Given that the UK and South Korea are aiming to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, Hyundai is looking to develop the hydrogen economy and create a sustainable future.
With this in mind, the brand has pledged to continue its efforts, likely with the help of UCL, to introduce new zero emission vehicles to the market equipped with “industry-leading hydrogen fuel cell and EV technologies”.
The memorandum of understanding was signed at Mansion House yesterday, with Secretary of State for Trade and Business Kemi Badenoch in attendance.
Commenting on the new partnership, Jaehoon (Jay) Chang, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company, said the partnership was a big step forward in the development of fuel cell systems.
“Through joint research with UCL, one of the UK’s leading research universities, we will accelerate the pace of technological innovation in hydrogen production, fuel cells and electrification.
“We hope that this collaboration will contribute to achieving carbon neutrality in the transportation sector, which is a goal shared by Korea and the UK.”
The Government intends to publish a Zero Emission HGV Infrastructure Strategy in early 2024 to outline the “roles and responsibilities” of the industry in the deployment of the relevant network.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
The partnership between Hyundai and UCL took place yesterday
HYUNDAI
Some experts were looking at the Government to include details about the hydrogen strategy in the Autumn Budget yesterday, although this did not occur.
You may like
