Ampol, an Australian refiner and fuel retailer, and Hyundai, a South Korean automaker, have teamed together to explore hydrogen road transport prospects and establish a position in the Australian EV market.
As part of an initial agreement, Hyundai and Ampol will explore the possibility of operating fuel cell EVs fuelled by hydrogen, according to Ampol. The companies will exchange experience and work together to identify the potential for public funding of new hydrogen infrastructure as the collaboration looks into the expansion of hydrogen infrastructure and fleets.
According to Ampol, Hyundai, and Ampol will work together on initiatives aimed at providing Hyundai customers with access to battery EV charging offers across Ampol’s AmpCharge EV charging network, as well as potential bundled energy, offers to incorporate home charging and more comprehensive energy solutions.
In order to develop an integrated solution that will give fleet owners the assurance in the availability of vehicles and charging infrastructure they need to make the transition to zero-emission vehicles, the companies will also collaborate to speed up the conversion of fleet vehicles to EVs.
The Australian government last week published a discussion paper on creating a national electric vehicle (EV) policy in an effort to promote EV sales and improve energy security by lowering its disproportionate reliance on importing crude oil and oil derivatives. Less than 2% of new light vehicle sales in Australia were electric vehicles in 2021, compared to 9% globally.
