A hydrogen-powered Chevrolet Silverado? Hyundai and GM sign clean energy agreement paving the way for collaboration on EVs and hydrogen vehicles

Could another automotive giant be looking to invest in hydrogen fuel cell technology?

Just weeks after Toyota and BMW signed a strategic partnership for the development of hydrogen vehicles, GM and Hyundai have joined the party, announcing a memorandum of understanding that paves the way for future collaboration on clean energy vehicles.

According to a press release issued by both companies, Hyundai and GM will use the partnership “to leverage their complementary scale and strengths to reduce costs and bring a wider range of vehicles and technologies to customers faster.”

Both companies said the agreement will open immense possibilities for future co-development on passenger and commercial vehicles across internal combustion engines, electric and hydrogen technologies.

“This partnership will enable Hyundai Motor and GM to evaluate opportunities to enhance competitiveness in key markets and vehicle segments, as well as drive cost efficiencies and provide stronger customer value through our combined expertise and innovative technologies,” said Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung.

Both Hyundai and GM are major investors in clean energy vehicles with either companies possessing several EVs in their respective lineups.

The MoU stipulates further opportunities to develop this area, with opportunities to share information in regard to the sourcing of battery raw materials and steel.

Unlike GM, Hyundai has embraced a multi-faceted pathway to carbon neutrality as one of largest investors in hydrogen fuel cell technology next to Toyota.

Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung and GM Chair and CEO Mary Barra

Hyundai introduced its first hydrogen vehicle to the Australian market, the Nexo SUV, a decade ago.

In the company’s native Korea, the company has invested billions of dollars into two hydrogen fuel cell plants, while the company’s hydrogen-powered XCIENT Fuel Cell trucks are already in commercial operation across Europe.

Where Hyundai has been more coy with its emissions projections, proposing carbon neutrality by 2045, GM has been a bit more zealous, proposing a full electric lineup by 2035.

The global slowdown in EV uptake, however, has meant that GM has had to backpedal on its projection of having the capacity to build one million EVs across its factories in the US and China by the end of 2025.

GM might be looking to diversify by adding a hydrogen vehicle to the range at some point in the future though, with battery technology proving to be a challenge for GM’s long-haul work trucks and commercial vehicles.

2021 Hyundai Nexo (Image: Tom White)

GM electrified its number one selling vehicle in the US – the Chevrolet Silverado – in 2022, although it’s more expensive, heavier and less efficient than its ICE counterpart.

Hyundai has already proven it can deliver a long driving range in hydrogen powered vehicles, setting a global record with the Nexo SUV, which clocked 887.6km from Melbourne to Broken Hill on a single tank.

Hydrogen fuel cells are also significantly lighter than EV batteries, helping to boost range and reduce wear and tear on numerous items including brakes.

The MoU between Hyundai and GM could mirror the partnership between Toyota, a well established hydrogen fuel cell manufacturer, and BMW who plan on selling a hydrogen fuel cell car to the public by 2028.

Toyota agreed to supply BMW with its hydrogen tanks and fuel cell system to which BMW will then build its own car using its in-house EV technologies.