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Hyundai and Audi Team Up To Develop Fuel Cell Vehicles

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When it comes to the next generation of green fuel sources, battery electric vehicles have gotten most of the attention. However, quietly, in the background, hydrogen fuel cells have been in development from multiple sources.

Now, two of those major sources are teaming up to make fuel cell vehicles a reality: Hyundai Motor Group and Audi AG.

Specifically, this teamwork is taking the form of a multi-year patent cross-licensing agreement across a range of fuel cell electric vehicle components and technologies, along with other joint efforts. The fruits of these labors, of course, will go to benefit Hyundai Motor Group affiliates like Kia Motors and the members of Audi’s parent company Volkswagen AG.

For the team-up’s first act, Hyundai is granting Audi access to parts based on Hyundai’s knowledge from developing the ix35 Fuel Cell vehicle as well as the NEXO. Audi will also have access to Hyundai’s fuel cell vehicle supply chain, as Hyundai has been selling fuel-cell SUVs since 2013, currently offering them in 18 countries.

Of the partnership, Vice Chairman of Hyundai Motor Company Euisun Chung said, “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. We are confident that the Hyundai Motor Group-Audi partnership will successfully demonstrate the vision and benefits of FCEVs to the global society.”

Audi expressed similar confidence and satisfaction with the agreement, with Peter Mertens, Board Member for Technical Development at Audi AG, saying, “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. 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.”