Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Corporation and W. L. Gore & Associates signed an agreement in Korea, to collaborate on the development of advanced polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) for hydrogen fuel cell systems. The ultimate goal of this collaboration is to develop an advanced PEM for next-generation fuel cell electric commercial vehicles.
A hydrogen fuel cell utilizes PEM to conduct protons between two electrodes. The PEM blocks the direct combination of incoming hydrogen and oxygen gases, leading to the the selective conduction of protons and, in turn, generating an electrical current to power a vehicle, a release stated.
For more than 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. Gore has been a pioneer in fuel cell technology.
“We are entering the next chapter of our partnership with Gore,” said Chang Hwan Kim, head of battery development and hydrogen and fuel cell dvelopment at Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation. “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, based in Newark, brings expertise in PEM, catalyst coated Membrane and MEA (membrane electrode assembly) technology to the partnership. Hyundai Motor and Kia aims to incorporate advanced PEM technology into next-generation fuel cell systems for passenger cars, commercial vehicles and non-automotive sectors.
“We look forward to advancing our long-standing partnership with Hyundai Motor and Kia,” said Michelle Augustine, Gore clean energy business group leader. “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.”
Like Gore, Hyundai Motor Group’ has a long history in hydrogen technology, which led to the establishment of the 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 and power generation.
W.L. Gore & Associates is a global materials science company. Gore generates annual revenue of $4.8 billion.
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