Hyundai Expands Hydrogen Footprint in Ulsan with New Fuel Cell Production Facility
Key Ideas
- Hyundai plans to construct a new fuel cell production facility at its existing Ulsan plant, becoming the world's second-largest fuel cell plant.
- The agreement with the union signifies a move towards centralizing Hyundai's hydrogen business, aiming for vertical integration in energy and vehicle production.
- The new facility will allow Hyundai to produce fuel cell stacks and hydrogen-powered vehicles in one location, including the upcoming successor to the Nexo model.
- Hyundai's HTWO brand will cover the entire hydrogen value chain, positioning the company as a key player in advancing hydrogen technologies beyond automotive applications.
Hyundai, the South Korean carmaker, is expanding its commitment to hydrogen by announcing the construction of a new fuel cell production facility at its existing plant in Ulsan. This facility is set to become the second largest fuel cell production site globally, with the capacity to manufacture up to 6,500 fuel cell systems annually. The decision to build this plant follows Hyundai's acquisition of the hydrogen fuel cell business from its subsidiary Hyundai Mobis. By centralizing its hydrogen activities, Hyundai aims to streamline its operations and enhance its position in the burgeoning hydrogen economy. The new Ulsan plant will enable Hyundai to produce fuel cell stacks and integrate them into hydrogen-powered vehicles like the Nexo and the upcoming Initium model. Hyundai's overarching goal is to control the entire value chain of energy and vehicle production using hydrogen, as evidenced by its unveiling of a comprehensive hydrogen technology plan, including fuel cells for various applications, at CES 2024. Through its HTWO brand, Hyundai is poised to lead advancements in hydrogen technologies beyond the realm of automobiles.