Hyundai and Audi have announced a multi-year patent cross-licensing agreement to develop fuel cell components and technologies, leading to their individual fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV) and development of the sustainable fuel across the industry.
“This agreement is another example of Hyundai’s strong commitment to creating a more sustainable future whilst enhancing consumers’ lives with hydrogen-powered vehicles, the fastest way to a truly zero-emission world,” said Euisun Chung, Hyundai Motor’s Vice Chairman. “We are confident that the Hyundai Motor Group-Audi partnership will successfully demonstrate the vision and benefits of FCEVs to the global society.”
Covering existing patents in addition to those developed in the future, the agreement (whose term wasn’t disclosed) will help advance FCEVs from Hyundai, Audi and their affiliates — Kia and Volkswagen (Audi’s parent group).
It includes mutual access to fuel cell components, including the knowledge acquired by Hyundai (which has been producing and marketing FCEVs since 2013, now selling in 18 countries) in developing its Tucson Fuel Cell (ix35 Fuel Cell in other world markets) and the new Nexo. Audi will also receive access to Hyundai’s supply chain, including Hyundai Mobis, the company’s FCEV components manufacturer (with the capacity to make 3,000 powertrain fuel cell complete modules per year, and the ability to quadruple the output in coming years).
“The fuel cell is the most systematic form of electric driving and thus a potent asset in our technology portfolio for the emission-free premium mobility of the future,” said Peter Mertens, Audi Board Member for Technical Development. “On our FCEV roadmap, we are joining forces with strong partners such as Hyundai. For the breakthrough of this sustainable technology, cooperation is the smart way to leading innovations with attractive cost structures.”