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Fuel cell development: Who’s in, who’s out

Fuel cell development: Who’s in, who’s out

Feature articles |
By Christoph Hammerschmidt



Audi and Hyundai want to exchange patents on fuel cell technology. It is also intended to grant each other access to non-competitive parts. With these measures, the German-Korean duo aims to get fuel cells ready for mass production faster and more efficiently. In addition, the two partners are planning further cooperation in the development of this sustainable technology.

From Audi’s perspective, long ranges (at least longer than BEVs) and short refuelling times with hydrogen make the fuel cell an attractive energy source for electric mobility in the medium and long term. Larger vehicles in particular can benefit from this, as the weight advantages of this energy supply due to their design are particularly noticeable.


According to a statement, Audi is currently developing the sixth technology generation of fuel cells and has development responsibility for this field of innovation within the Volkswagen Group. At the beginning of the next decade, in about three to four years, Audi plans to launch the fuel cell on the market as a small series – in a sporty SUV. However, the license agreement with Hyundai is already aimed at the next stage of development and production on a larger scale. In contrast to Audi, Hyundai has already a fuel cell vehicle in series production, the Nexo SUV.

The joint project of Daimler, Ford, Nissan and Renault, which is now being dissolved, had already started in 2013. The partners had planned to develop standard components to reduce their development costs. As part of the project, Nissan and Renault took care of the development of the stack and the actual fuel cells, while Daimler took over the integration of the system. The original plan was to launch an affordable fuel cell vehicle by 2017. Although this project has now been abandoned, insiders say Daimler, Nissan and Renault will continue to press ahead with joint developments with hydrogen vehicles, albeit with shifts in focus.

 

Related news:

Toyota gets ready for mass production of fuel cells

Hydrogen Alliance launched to foster fuel cell drives

New hydrogen technology could trigger fuel cell breakthrough

Commercial fuel cell car roll-out imminent, Daimler hints

BMW gives hydrogen technology another chance

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