Hyundai, Skoda join forces on hydrogen – but perhaps not in the way you’d expect

Hyundai and Skoda are set to be unlikely bedfellows after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to develop hydrogen-based mobility options – however it is probably not for automobiles.

The MOU was signed by Hyundai Motor Firm and Skoda Group executives in Prague, as part of the Korea-Czech Republic Enterprise Summit.

In accordance with Hyundai, the MOU “covers research on adoption of hydrogen gasoline cell methods and applied sciences, research on adoption of vitality environment friendly options for mobility tasks and merchandise, and exploring hydrogen ecosystem and worth chain alternatives past mobility”.

100s of latest automotive offers can be found by means of CarExpert proper now. Get the specialists in your aspect and rating an important deal. Browse now.

Nonetheless, we could not see the collaboration eventuate into fashions in new-car showrooms.

The 2 Skoda representatives on the signing had been Petr Novotný, CEO of the train-centric Skoda Transportation, and Jaromir Silhanek, CEO of Skoda Electrical which is a subsidiary of the previous firm.

Skoda’s present hydrogen-powered car lineup is restricted to buses and trams, with its passenger automobiles restricted to conventional petrol and diesel engines, plus battery-electric choices.

Hyundai in the meantime has been growing a variety of hydrogen automobiles, starting from its Nexo SUV, the Xcient Gasoline Cell truck and Elec Metropolis FCEV bus. 

It’s at the moment unclear as to what the duo’s plans are, although they’ve stated they’ll “conduct feasibility research for gasoline cell system functions for numerous utilisation past mobility”.

“Each events share the view that hydrogen will probably be a key pillar for a sustainable society, beginning with mobility.”

Hydrogen gasoline cell electrical automobiles (FCEVs) stay area of interest merchandise, each globally and in Australia.

Simply 10 FCEVs have been delivered domestically this 12 months, consisting of 1 Hyundai Nexo and 9 Toyota Mirais.

Last year, Hyundai and Toyota signed an MOU in Australia to work alongside Ampol and Pacific Power in growing hydrogen refuelling infrastructure domestically.