Hyundai and Skoda team up on hydrogen power – but that might not be the case

Hyundai and Skoda have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to develop hydrogen mobility solutions, with the two companies poised to become unexpected partners – but it might not apply to cars.

The MoU was signed by executives from Hyundai Motor Company and Skoda Group in Prague as part of the Korea-Czech Republic Business Summit.

Hyundai Motor said the MoU “covers adoption research of hydrogen fuel cell systems and technologies, adoption research of energy-saving solutions for mobility projects and products, and exploration of hydrogen ecosystem and value chain opportunities beyond mobility”.

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However, we probably won’t see the fruits of this collaboration displayed in new car showrooms.

The two ŠKODA representatives present at the signing ceremony were Petr Novotný, CEO of train transport company ŠKODA Traffic, and Jaromir Silhanek, CEO of the former subsidiary ŠKODA Electric.

Skoda’s current hydrogen-powered car lineup is limited to buses and trams, with its passenger cars restricted to conventional petrol and diesel engines and battery-electric options.

Meanwhile, Hyundai has been developing a range of hydrogen-powered vehicles, including the Nexo SUV, Xcient fuel cell truck and Elec City FCEV bus.

It is not clear what the two companies’ plans are, but they said they would “conduct feasibility studies on the application of fuel cell systems for a variety of uses beyond mobility”.

“Both parties agree that hydrogen will become an important pillar of a sustainable society, first and foremost in transport.”

Hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) remain a niche product both globally and in Australia.

Only 10 FCEVs have been delivered locally this year, including one Hyundai Nexo and nine Toyota Mirais.

Last year, Hyundai and Toyota signed a memorandum of understanding in Australia to work with Ampol and Pacific Energy to develop local hydrogen refueling infrastructure.