Hydrogen Race: Hyundai vs Toyota in Development of Fuel Cell Vehicles
Key Ideas
- Korean and Japanese automakers like Hyundai and Toyota are competing to lead in hydrogen vehicles, spanning from fuel cells to internal combustion engines and hybrids.
- Hyundai's focus is on hydrogen-powered fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), aiming to improve durability and efficiency while Toyota is working on hydrogen internal combustion engines alongside fuel cells.
- Hyundai launched the world's first mass-produced FCEVs in 2013 and is set to release a second-generation model, the Nexo, in the second quarter of 2025, enhancing its hydrogen leadership.
- Honda and GM have introduced the CR-V e-FCEV, a hybrid vehicle combining an FCEV with a battery to address hydrogen infrastructure limitations and increase mileage.
Hyundai and Toyota are engaged in a competitive race to dominate the hydrogen vehicle market, showcasing advancements in hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) and internal combustion engines. Hyundai's strategic focus lies in enhancing the durability and efficiency of FCEVs, as seen with their pioneering Tucson FCEV launched in 2013. Recently, Hyundai acquired the hydrogen fuel cell business from Hyundai Mobis and expanded its hydrogen fuel cell brand, HTWO. Toyota, on the other hand, is developing hydrogen internal combustion engines alongside fuel cells, aiming to utilize existing internal combustion engine technology and infrastructure. In addition, Toyota showcased the Corolla GR running on liquefied hydrogen in a motorsport event to test its hydrogen engine technology. Honda and GM are collaborating on the CR-V e-FCEV, a hybrid vehicle combining an FCEV with a battery to mitigate hydrogen infrastructure challenges and increase driving range. This intense competition among automakers highlights the evolving landscape of hydrogen-powered vehicles and the advancements being made in the race towards sustainable mobility.