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Audi and Hyundai have entered into a multi-year patent cross-licensing agreement aimed at allowing both automakers to share their hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle technologies. This deal also extends to their affiliated brands, including Kia and the various marques within the extensive Volkswagen Group.
As part of this collaboration, Audi and Hyundai will combine their resources to advance the development of future fuel-cell powertrains. Initially, Hyundai will take the lead, leveraging its experience from previously launched models such as the Tucson Fuel Cell and its successor, the Nexo. In contrast, Audi is still in the process of establishing its own production-ready fuel-cell vehicles.
Hyundai will provide Audi access to critical powertrain components and valuable expertise derived from its existing fuel-cell vehicles. Additionally, Audi will benefit from the supply chain that Hyundai has developed since the introduction of the Tucson Fuel Cell (known as the ix35 Fuel Cell in international markets) in 2013. Hyundai anticipates that this partnership will open new business opportunities for its Mobis division specializing in fuel-cell components.
Audi has been exploring hydrogen fuel-cell powertrains since 2004 and is recognized as the lead brand within the VW Group for this technology. While Audi has yet to produce a fuel-cell vehicle, it plans to introduce a “small series production” model within the next decade, envisioned as a “sporty SUV.” The partnership with Hyundai may also allow Audi to produce a higher-volume vehicle in the future.
Both Audi and Hyundai see fuel-cell vehicles as a promising alternative to battery-electric cars, primarily due to their longer range and refueling times that are akin to those of gasoline and diesel vehicles. However, both automakers are also focusing on battery technologies. Audi is set to launch its e-tron electric SUV and is likely to roll out additional battery-electric models as part of Volkswagen’s ambitious electrification strategy. Meanwhile, Hyundai offers two battery-electric models: the Ioniq Electric and Kona Electric, with Kia contributing the Soul EV to the lineup.
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