Hyundai Motor Company and Cummins have entered into a memorandum of understanding to jointly evaluate opportunities to develop and commercialise electric and fuel cell powertrains. 

These new powertrains are expected to be developed by combining Hyundai‘s fuel cell systems with Cummins‘ electric powertrain, battery, and control technologies. The initial development will be focused on the North American commercial vehicle market, including working with North American OEMs on the integration of these systems into their vehicles. The companies will also explore ways they can work together to develop next generation fuel cell systems, and have each committed to assign a team of individuals to investigate and pursue other areas of collaboration.   

“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,” said Cummins vice president, corporate strategy Thad Ewald. “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.”

Hyundai Motor Group vice president and head of the fuel cell group Saehoon Kim said with Hyundai‘s global leadership in fuel cell systems coupled with Cummins‘ unparalleled electrified powertrain technologies, he expects this partnership to leave a mark in the commercial vehicle market.

“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 Company to increase its presence in the North American commercial vehicle market, and Cummins to enhance its electrified power product portfolio by adding Hyundai‘s advanced fuel cell technologies.

The new collaboration may extend beyond the commercial vehicle market, as the companies will also evaluate the development of fuel cell power generators.