Audi AG and Hyundai Motor Group intend to cooperate on the development of fuel-cell technology. The two companies plan to cross-license patents and grant access to non-competitive components. Through their collaboration, both partners aim to bring the fuel cell to volume production maturity more quickly and more efficiently. 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,” said Peter Mertens, Board Member for Technical Development at Audi AG.

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

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.

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.