Audi and Hyundai are also
exploring more far-reaching collaboration on the development of this
sustainable technology. “The fuel cell is the most systematic form of electric
driving and thus a potent asset in our technology portfolio for the
emission-free premium mobility of the future,” says Peter Mertens, Board Member
for Technical Development at Audi AG. “On our FCEV roadmap, we are joining
forces with strong partners
such as Hyundai. For the breakthrough of this sustainable technology,
cooperation is the smart way to leading innovations with attractive cost
structures,” he said.
“We are confident that our
partnership with Audi will successfully demonstrate the vision and benefits of
FCEVs to the global society,” says Euisun Chung, Vice Chairman at Hyundai Motor
Company. “This agreement is another example of Hyundai’s strong commitment to
creating a more sustainable future whilst enhancing consumers’ lives with
hydrogen-powered vehicles, the fastest way to a truly zero-emission world,” he
added.
Long ranges and short
refueling times make hydrogen an attractive future source of energy for
electric mobility. This is particularly true for larger automobiles, where the
weight advantages of the fuel cell vehicle inherent to its design are
particularly pronounced. Besides further advances in fuel cell technology, key
aspects for its future market success include the regenerative production of
hydrogen and the establishment of a sufficient infrastructure.
Within the Volkswagen Group,
Audi AG has taken on the development responsibility for the fuel cell technology
and is currently working on its sixth generation. The Group’s Fuel Cell Competence Center is located at the Neckarsulm
site. At the beginning of the next decade, Audi will introduce the first
fuel cell model as a small series production. As a sporty SUV, the model will
combine the premium comfort of the full-size segment with long-range
capability. The cross-license agreement with Hyundai is already focused on the
next development stage intended for a broader market offer.
Audi has already been working
on fuel cell concepts for almost 20 years. The first test vehicle was the
compact Audi A2H2 in 2004, followed by the Audi Q5 HFC in 2008. The 2014 Audi
A7 Sportback h-tron quattro introduced the “h-tron” suffix for models with fuel
cell technology. The “h” stands for the element hydrogen. The Audi h-tron
quattro concept study presented in 2016 further demonstrated the brand’s
technology competence in fuel cell drive systems.
Source: Audi AG