Hyundai Motor and Kia to Develop Polymer Electrolyte Membrane with Gore for Hydrogen Fuel Cell Systems

Seoul, South Korea- Hyundai Motor Company., Kia Corporation., and W. L. Gore & Associates., have signed an agreement at the Mabuk Eco-Friendly R&D Center, Korea, to collaborate on the development of advanced polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) for hydrogen fuel cell systems.

Important facets of PEM development will be covered by the parties' collaborative work. This collaboration's ultimate objective is to create a cutting-edge PEM for next fuel cell electric commercial vehicles.

PEM is used in hydrogen fuel cells to transfer protons between two electrodes. By preventing incoming hydrogen and oxygen gasses from directly combining, the PEM allows protons to conduct selectively, which produces an electrical current that powers a car. The fuel cell system's longevity and performance are largely dependent on PEM technology.

For over 15 years, Hyundai Motor, Kia and Gore have been collaborating in the field of fuel cells. Building on this more-than-decade-long relationship, the partnership will now focus on jointly developing an optimal fuel cell system for commercial vehicles, with a specific emphasis on enhancing performance and durability.

Mr. Chang Hwan Kim, Head of Battery Development and Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Development at Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation, said that, We are starting a new phase in our collaboration with Gore. We will gain cutting-edge fuel cell technology and dominate the fuel cell electric car market by utilizing our 15 years of partnership, which will hasten the transition to a sustainable future.

Gore, an advanced materials business with headquarters in Delaware, USA, contributes to the collaboration with knowledge of PEM, catalyst-coated membrane, and MEA (membrane electrode assembly) technologies. The goal of Hyundai Motor and Kia is to integrate cutting-edge PEM technology into next-generation fuel cell systems for passenger cars, commercial vehicles, and non-automotive sectors by fusing Gore's ground-breaking PEM technology with Hyundai Motor and Kia's sophisticated fuel cell experience.

Mr. Michelle Augustine, Gore Clean Energy Business Group Leader, said that, 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.

This collaboration builds upon Hyundai Motor Group's 25 years of focus on hydrogen technology, which led to the establishment of the HTWO hydrogen business brand in 2020. The Group is actively expanding its fuel cell business globally, covering various sectors, including passenger and commercial vehicles, marine vessels, aerospace applications, power generation and more.