This partnership was sealed at the Korea-Czech Republic Business Summit in Prague. At the signing ceremony were Ken Ramírez, Hyundai’s Executive Vice President and Head of Global Commercial Vehicle and Hydrogen Business, alongside Petr Novotný, CEO of Škoda Group. 

Hyundai and Škoda will explore the adoption of hydrogen fuel cell systems and technologies for mobility projects. They’ll also dive into energy-efficient solutions, looking beyond just mobility to see how hydrogen can power broader industries.

Ramírez shared Hyundai’s vision during the event: “Our partnership with Škoda Group is about more than just a handshake. It’s about accelerating the adoption of hydrogen technology to pave the way for a carbon-neutral future, not just in the Czech Republic but across global markets.”

Novotný echoed these sentiments, adding, “Hydrogen, alongside energy-efficient technologies, will play a crucial role in transforming mobility. Our collaboration with Hyundai opens doors beyond national borders, allowing us to explore markets where these eco-friendly solutions can make the biggest impact.”

At the heart of this partnership is a shared belief that hydrogen will be a game-changer for a sustainable society, especially when it comes to mobility. Under the terms of the MOU, Hyundai will bring its expertise in fuel cell technology to the table, potentially supercharging eco-friendly mobility in the regions where Škoda operates.

The collaboration won’t stop at vehicles either. Hyundai and Škoda plan to conduct feasibility studies for using hydrogen fuel cells in diverse industries.

Read more automotive news at AutoApp, or check out our latest videos on Ignition Labs TV and on TikTok!

As they rolled out their Class 8 XCIENT Fuel Cell electric truck, the spotlight is on a vision; a hydrogen society where clean energy thrives from production to pavement. During the expo in Las Vegas, which ran from May 20–23, Hyundai was offering a peek into its holistic approach to hydrogen technology.

Hyundai also demonstrated not just the truck but its prowess in integrating hydrogen into every stage of the value chain. 

Jim Park, a key figure in Hyundai’s North American operations, detailed how the XCIENT trucks are already making significant inroads in sustainability projects across the U.S., notably in California and Georgia.

These trucks are active participants in projects that aim to lower carbon footprints at busy ports and sprawling production facilities. One particularly exciting partnership is with GLOVIS America, enhancing Hyundai’s logistical capabilities to be as green as their trucks.

Hyundai also delved into the nuts and bolts of truck technology. They shared about advancements like a fully digital instrument cluster and a new touchscreen infotainment system, designed not just for efficiency but for ease. Safety is paramount, with enhancements in their driver-assistance systems meant to make long hauls safer and less strenuous.

Moreover, Hyundai’s collaboration with Plus on autonomous driving technology underscores a future where the roads are safer and freight efficiency is maximised. Especially when drivers are on the roads for long hours, having passive safety systems would greatly increase overall road security.

Read more automotive news at AutoApp, or check out our latest videos on Ignition Labs TV and on TikTok!

Toyota made a big splash at this year’s Tokyo Auto Salon, revealing a whole host of new cars and technologies. Exhibits like the 24-hour Le Mans winning car and the new 2024 Prius are cool and all, but what really stole the show was this special debut revealed by none other than Toyota president Akio Toyoda himself.

Keen Initial D fans will instantly recognise the pair of AE86 Corollas, with one in Trueno guise and the other a Levin. What’s so special about these two cars you might ask? Well, the pair were showcased with brand new hydrogen fuel cell and electric powertrains, a game-changer for the automotive industry.

Electric powerplant

The electric powertrain Levin, dubbed the AE86 BEV Concept, borrows a roster of parts from other Toyota models. An electric motor from Toyota’s Tundra Hybrid, a lithium-ion battery pack from the new Prius plug-in hybrid, and other parts from the Toyota and Lexus hybrid range. 

Sugar, spice, and everything nice.

Delivering tofu in silence

The other AE86, based on the Trueno body style and dubbed the AE86 H2 concept, feels more at home with the general petrolhead, The car still retains its legendary 4A-GE heart, a real gem of the retro JDM world.

But, what’s really amazing is the fact that instead of petrol, the engine has been retrofitted to burn hydrogen, with the hydrogen being supplied from a Toyota Mirai tank at the back.

Nostalgia meets technology

Toyota really knows how to make us automotive enthusiasts happy, and both cars retain their original factory looks on the inside. They even have fully-functional manual transmissions complete with three pedals, although there isn’t mention of how this manual system actually works. Roll cages, bucket seats made from recycled materials, plus other retro trinkets in the cabin, and it’s almost like this rolled off the factory floor in the 80s.

Unfortunately, Toyota has not disclosed other details of the cars, which probably means mass production of these concept cars is an unlikely outcome. However, these show that Toyota is capable of producing fun cars with sustainable powertrains, and these proofs of concept restore faith in what is effectively a sea of boring EVs.

Mr Toyoda himself mentioned that achieving total carbon neutrality cannot be done just by simply depending on new electric vehicles. The total percentage of BEVs on the roads today only accounts for roughly 1/20 of the total number of vehicles worldwide today, and this number won’t increase that quickly.

Mr Toyoda finishes off by saying that these AE86s can be potential options for owners in the future, being able to swap out their traditional powertrains should stricter government laws about fossil fuels get enacted.

Carbon-neutral power sources without sacrificing driving fun. Way to go Toyota!

Catch the latest news right here on AutoApp!