Hyundai Motor Co. and Cummins Inc. have entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to jointly evaluate opportunities to develop and commercialize electric and fuel cell powertrains.
Hyundai’s fuel cell systems will be combined with Cummins’ electric powertrain, battery and control technologies. The initial development will be focused on the North American commercial vehicle market; thus, the partners plan to work with North American OEMs on the integration of these systems into their vehicles.
“This partnership is a terrific opportunity for both companies to leverage our respective strengths and create new opportunities to grow and broaden the product portfolio we bring to our customers,” states Thad Ewald, vice president of corporate strategy at Cummins Inc. “We’ve made significant investments over the past year to accelerate our fuel cell capabilities, including our acquisition of Hydrogenics, and this partnership is another step forward.”
“With Hyundai’s global leadership in fuel cell systems coupled with Cummins’ unparalleled electrified powertrain technologies, we expect this partnership to leave a mark in the commercial vehicle market,” adds Saehoon Kim, vice president and head of the fuel cell group at Hyundai Motor Group. “Collaborations such as this will enable us to further diversify our business, as well as reinforce our global hydrogen leadership through sales of new and existing Hyundai fuel cell systems.”
This partnership provides a springboard for Hyundai Motor Co. to increase its presence in the North American commercial vehicle market; meanwhile, Cummins will enhance its electrified power product portfolio. The new collaboration may extend beyond the commercial vehicle market: The companies will also evaluate the development of fuel cell power generators.
Hyundai Motor opened a commercial production facility for fuel cell vehicles in 2013 and released the Tucson Fuel Cell in 2015. The NEXO SUV, Hyundai’s second-generation fuel cell electric vehicle, offers a range of over 610 kilometers.
In 2018, Cummins launched its electrified power business segment, which designs and manufactures fully electric and hybrid powertrain systems, along with components and subsystems.