The two organisations plan to combine Hyundai’s fuel cell systems with Cummins’ electric powertrain, battery, and control technologies.
The initial development will be focused on the North American commercial vehicle market, including working with North American OEMs on the integration of these systems into their vehicles.
The companies say they will also explore ways in which they can work together to develop next generation fuel cell systems.
“This partnership is a terrific opportunity for both companies to leverage our respective strengths and create new opportunities to grow and broaden the product portfolio we bring to our customers,” said Thad Ewald, VP for corporate strategy at Cummins.
“We’ve made significant investments over the past year to accelerate our fuel cell capabilities including our acquisition of Hydrogenics and this partnership is another step forward.”
Saehoon Kim (pictured, right, with Ewald), Hyundai VP and head of its fuel cell group, says: “With Hyundai’s global leadership in fuel cell systems coupled with Cummins’ unparalleled electrified powertrain technologies, we expect this partnership to leave a mark in the commercial vehicle market.”
The two organisations also plan to collaborate on fuel cell power generators, providing emergency power back-up with a reduced carbon footprint.
Hyundai Motor opened the world’s first commercial production facility for fuel cell vehicles in 2013, and released the world’s first commercialised hydrogen-powered vehicle, the Tucson Fuel Cell, in 2015.
Last year, Cummins launched its electrified power business segment, to design and manufacture fully electric and hybrid powertrain systems.