Škoda and Hyundai join forces on hydrogen vehicles
In a significant move towards hydrogen-powered transport, Hyundai Motor and Škoda Group signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Korea-Czech Business Summit in Prague.
This partnership aims to accelerate the adoption of hydrogen in global mobility, pushing both companies closer to a future powered by clean energy.
Škoda and Hyundai hydrogen
The collaboration will see Hyundai’s proven hydrogen fuel cell technology integrated into Škoda’s mobility solutions.
This includes not only public transport vehicles like buses and rail systems but also wider energy-efficient solutions for mobility projects.
Hyundai and Škoda are also set to explore hydrogen ecosystem and value chain opportunities, extending beyond transport, potentially into areas such as hydrogen infrastructure or energy systems.
Ken Ramírez, Executive Vice President of Hyundai Motor, said: “Our partnership with Škoda Group aims to accelerate hydrogen adoption, which would contribute to the advancement of hydrogen technology and carbon neutrality across global markets, including the Czech Republic.”
Škoda Group CEO Petr Novotný echoed this vision, stating: “We believe that hydrogen, alongside energy-efficient solutions, will play an essential role in transforming mobility for a more sustainable future.
“Our collaboration with Hyundai Motor Company aims at enabling us to look beyond national borders and explore wider markets where these technologies can have a larger impact.”
The versatility of hydrogen fuel cells
The brilliance of hydrogen fuel cells lies in their versatility. A single fuel cell ‘stack’, compact enough for passenger cars, can scale up to power a large bus or train without needing significant modifications.
This adaptability makes hydrogen a prime candidate for various mobility solutions, from city buses to heavy rail.
Hyundai has already established itself as a leader in hydrogen technology, with its HTWO brand, which focuses on the entire hydrogen value chain, from production to applications in mobility.
Škoda Group
Škoda Group, a significant player in the public transport space with its extensive portfolio of vehicles like trams, buses, and trains, sees hydrogen as a key element in reducing emissions and achieving carbon neutrality.
With over 165 years of experience in transportation engineering, Škoda is well-positioned to embrace this next-generation fuel source.
The partnership with Hyundai allows Škoda to tap into Hyundai’s cutting-edge hydrogen technology, furthering its ambitions for sustainable transport solutions.
This partnership is also about building a hydrogen society. Hyundai’s HTWO initiative is a commitment to driving hydrogen adoption on a global scale, providing a holistic approach that includes hydrogen production, storage, and distribution.
For clarity, it’s worth noting that while Škoda Group and Škoda Auto share the same name, they are separate entities.
Škoda Group, involved in this partnership, focuses on producing public transport vehicles such as buses, trams, and trains, and is owned by PPF Group.
In contrast, Škoda Auto, owned by Volkswagen, manufactures passenger cars and is not involved in this MoU.
