Hyundai is strengthening its hydrogen commitment with plans for a new fuel cell production facility at its Ulsan manufacturing complex in South Korea. The plant will begin operations in 2028, producing next-generation fuel cell systems and becoming the world’s second-largest hydrogen fuel cell factory after Hyundai’s HTWO Guangzhou facility in China.
Consolidating Hydrogen Operations
Hyundai has been centralizing its hydrogen business:
- In 2023, Hyundai acquired Hyundai Mobis’ fuel cell division
- The new Ulsan plant will consolidate fuel cell stack production and hydrogen vehicle assembly in one location
- Currently, fuel cell stacks are built at the former Hyundai Mobis plant in Chungju before shipment to Ulsan
This integration will streamline production by manufacturing fuel cells and assembling hydrogen vehicles at the same facility. Hyundai’s labor union has approved the plan, with construction expected to start this year.
Expanding Beyond Transportation
Under its HTWO brand launched in 2020, Hyundai is developing hydrogen solutions beyond vehicles:
- Focusing on the entire hydrogen value chain including production, storage, and industrial applications
- At CES 2024, Hyundai revealed plans for hydrogen applications in power generation and heavy industry
- Setting a goal to expand annual hydrogen consumption to 3 million tonnes by 2035
- Targeting production of 500,000 fuel cell systems annually by 2030
The company is building international partnerships, with Hyundai officials recently visiting Japan to discuss creating a hydrogen business network with local companies.
Future of Hyundai’s Hydrogen Vehicles
Despite infrastructure challenges, Hyundai maintains its hydrogen vehicle commitment. Hyundai has been developing hydrogen technology since 1998 and, along with Toyota, leads the global fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) market. While retiring the NEXO, Hyundai will launch its replacement, INITIUM, later this year.
The new Ulsan fuel cell plant represents Hyundai’s long-term investment in hydrogen technology across the energy and transportation sectors, advancing its vision of a hydrogen-based society.
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