Partnership Between Škoda and Hyundai to Scale Up Hydrogen

In the quest for greener pastures in the automotive industry, hydrogen vehicles stand out as a beacon of hope.
Hydrogen offers a fuel source with no emissions, as burning it in a combustion engine only produces water. Using hydrogen in fuel cells also creates clean electricity.
But despite these benefits, hydrogen vehicles are not yet widespread.
Hyundai and Škoda have formed a strategic partnership to accelerate the growth of hydrogen-powered vehicles, but what could this mean for the automotive sector?
For years, hydrogen has been hailed as the future of clean transportation, with the potential to revolutionise the industry.
Barriers to hydrogen adoption
If hydrogen is so promising, why hasn’t it become the norm?
There are several challenges holding back its large-scale adoption:
- 1. The Cost - Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (HFCVs) are more expensive to own and operate than conventional internal combustion engine vehicles or battery electric vehicles (BEVs). The cost of the fuel cell system and the price of hydrogen fuel are both high.
- 2. The Production - producing hydrogen for fuel cells is challenging in terms of cost, energy efficiency, and environmental impact. Although hydrogen is the most abundant element in the world, it can be hard to capture and convert into a fuel. One method is called electrolysis, which splits water into hydrogen and oxygen, but this process requires lots of energy and is not yet very efficient.
- 3. The Raw Materials - The initial cost of fuel cells is high because they require precious metals like platinum and iridium as catalysts.
- 4. The Government - A lack of clear government direction on hydrogen's role in the transition to net zero can be a barrier to early investment.
- 5. The Infrastructure - Right now, there is a lack of hydrogen refuelling stations. They are often limited to certain regions and they require significant investment to build and maintain.
Despite these hurdles, sustainability experts believe hydrogen vehicles could follow a similar path to solar panels.
Solar power started as a costly, inefficient technology, but thanks to research, investment and supportive government policies, it has become more accessible.
The hope is that hydrogen-powered cars will experience a similar evolution.
Hyundai and Škoda aim to lead hydrogen development
Hyundai and Škoda have taken a significant step toward this future.
At the Korea-Czech Republic Business Summit in Prague, the companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on hydrogen vehicle development.
Ken Ramírez, Hyundai’s Executive Vice President, says: "Our partnership with Škoda Group aims to accelerate hydrogen adoption and advance hydrogen technology for carbon neutrality across global markets."
Hyundai has long been a pioneer in hydrogen technology. Its NEXO fuel cell electric vehicle, launched in 2018, was among the first of its kind.
Hyundai has also explored hydrogen use in commercial vehicles and buses, aiming to lead the way in this green transition.
By partnering with Škoda, a major player in European transportation, the two companies hope to speed up the rollout of hydrogen technology across Europe.
Škoda’s CEO Petr Novotný adds: "Hydrogen and energy-efficient solutions will play a key role in transforming mobility for a sustainable future."
Hydrogen beyond cars
The partnership between Hyundai and Škoda also extends beyond the automotive sector.
Hyundai could share its fuel cell technology with Škoda to explore hydrogen’s potential in heavy industries like steel production, where decarbonisation is particularly challenging.
Hydrogen and energy-efficient solutions will play a key role in transforming mobility for a sustainable future
By expanding hydrogen use beyond vehicles, the companies aim to make a broader impact on carbon reduction.
Hyundai’s Nošovice plant in the Czech Republic, one of the largest foreign investments in the country, may also play a central role in this cooperation, helping to strengthen Czechia’s green transport sector.
This deal reflects a growing trend in the automotive industry, where companies are increasingly collaborating to share the risks and costs of new technology.
Hyundai’s investment in hydrogen, under its HTWO brand, and Škoda’s engineering expertise make them well-positioned to drive the future of hydrogen mobility.
Hydrogen-powered future on the horizon
The Hyundai-Škoda agreement signals a rising commitment to hydrogen in the transport industry.
As both companies seek to lead in hydrogen-powered mobility, the collaboration could inspire similar partnerships across the sector, speeding up the shift to cleaner energy.
As Petr says: "By working together, we can bring innovative, eco-friendly solutions to the global mobility ecosystem, advancing cleaner energy in the areas where it's needed most."
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