Ineos has signed an option to use a Hyundai fuel cell system in its debut vehicle, the Grenadier, under a new partnership agreement between the companies.
As part of the memorandum of understanding, both firms will look at new opportunities to accelerate the global hydrogen economy, which could include Ineos supplying hydrogen to the South Korean car manufacturer.
To begin with, the firms will seek to facilitate public and private sector projects focused on the development of a hydrogen value chain in Europe.
Ineos, which currently produces 300,000 tons of hydrogen a year mainly as a by-product from its chemical manufacturing operations, recently set up a new business to develop and build clean hydrogen capacity around Europe.
Hyundai’s proprietary modular fuel cell system has already proven reliable and effective in its Nexo SUV, the first ever dedicated hydrogen-powered SUV, and which has the longest driving range among hydrogen-powered vehicles.
Peter Williams, technology director at Ineos said: “The agreement between Ineos and Hyundai presents both companies with new opportunities to extend a leading role in the clean hydrogen economy.
“Evaluating new production processes, technology and applications, combined with our existing capabilities puts us in a unique position to meet emerging demand for affordable, low-carbon energy sources and the needs of demanding 4×4 owners in the future.”
Saehoon Kim, senior vice president and head of Fuel Cell Center at Hyundai Motor Company said: “Ineos’ move into the development of a fuel cell electric vehicle and hydrogen ecosystem marks yet another milestone towards sustainable and clean transportation.
“Hyundai believes this will provide an important low-carbon option across a wide range of sectors. We also hope our decades-long expertise in hydrogen fuel cell work in synergy with Ineos’ expertise in field of chemistry to realise the mass production of green hydrogen and fuel cells for the Grenadier.”
