Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Corporation (Kia) and W. L. Gore & Associates will collaborate on the development of advanced polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) for hydrogen fuel cell systems. The joint effort between the parties will encompass key aspects of PEM development, including test protocols.

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, facilitating the selective conduction of protons and, in turn, generating an electrical current to power a vehicle. The PEM technology plays a crucial role in determining the performance and durability of the fuel cell system.

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.

We are entering the next chapter of our partnership with Gore. 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.

—Chang Hwan Kim, Head of Battery Development and Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Development at Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation

Gore, an advanced materials company based in Delaware, brings expertise in PEM, Catalyst-coated Membrane and MEA (Membrane Electrode Assembly) technology to the partnership. Combining Gore’s PEM technology with Hyundai Motor and Kia’s advanced fuel cell expertise, Hyundai Motor and Kia aim to incorporate advanced PEM technology into next-generation fuel cell systems for passenger cars, commercial vehicles and non-automotive sectors.

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.