Hyundai Motor’s facility in Georgia has been utilizing hydrogen for its internal logistics operations, while the South Korean automaker is also exploring domestic production of the fuel from biogas sourced from food scraps. This initiative is part of its commitment to a sustainable energy future centered around hydrogen.
The company’s Metaplant, located in Georgia, manufactures electric vehicles and batteries and is employing hydrogen fuel-cell trucks, which offer significant energy density and reduced range anxiety. “With these trucks, you can travel greater distances,” said Jim Park, Hyundai’s head of commercial vehicles and hydrogen business development for North America.
Hyundai has announced plans to invest approximately 5.7 trillion won ($5.4 billion) over the next decade to develop a hydrogen-centric ecosystem. This strategy extends beyond automotive manufacturing, aiming to achieve net zero emissions by 2045 and attain carbon neutrality across all production and operational phases.
“When it comes to hydrogen, we provide a comprehensive solution encompassing transportation, storage, dispensing, and utilization,” Park stated prior to the Bloomberg New Economy Forum in Sao Paulo. “We consider the entire hydrogen economy.”
As the automotive sector transitions away from fossil fuels, Hyundai is advocating for hydrogen as a carbon-free alternative, emphasizing that it can be generated through carbon capture or water electrolysis powered by renewable energy sources. Park noted that hydrogen’s higher storage density provides significant advantages in weight and range compared to battery-powered vehicles, making it particularly suitable for the commercial vehicle market.
Through its hydrogen brand HTWO, Hyundai plans to expand the application of this technology to trains, advanced air mobility, and maritime vessels, Park added.
