At IAA Mobility 2021, Hyundai Motor Company stated its ambition to become carbon neutral by 2045.
Clean mobility, next-generation platforms, and green energy are the three pillars of Hyundai’s integrated approach to attain carbon neutrality. At this year’s IAA, which runs from September 6 to 12 in Munich, Germany, Hyundai will display the complete spectrum of its electrified vehicle lineup as well as the latest solutions for progressing with positive energy.
“Under our company’s vision, Progress for Humanity, Hyundai Motor is determined to do the right thing for the world,” said Jaehoon (Jay) Chang, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company. “Climate change is an undeniable challenge that needs everyone’s utmost and urgent attention. Hyundai Motor commits to become carbon neutral in its global products and operations by 2045, and we will make investments in cleaner transportation and greener energy solutions to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all.”
Visitors to the IAA may find Hyundai Motor’s exhibition in Hall A1, Messe Munich, where the business is displaying BEV concepts, an all-electric robotaxi model, and artistic displays on the hydrogen value chain.
IAA attendees can use Hyundai’s Blue Lane[1] service to get to the event’s various venues, where they can test drive the brand’s latest clean mobility vehicles, such as the IONIQ 5, NEXO, Kona EV, and Elec City Fuel Cell bus.
Hyundai’s IAA demonstration is also available in digital format. Hyundai Motor’s Worldwide YouTube account has a video of the press conference.
“With a new location and a live-digital hybrid format, this year’s IAA is very different from previous events, and we are very happy that we are participating once again as an exhibitor,” said Michael Cole, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Europe. “We are excited to be sharing our future company vision, which goes beyond automotive mobility. On top of this, we are outlining our roadmap to enable a carbon neutral society, which is imperative as the future of the planet is at stake.”
The Road to Carbon Neutrality is a long one.
Hyundai Motor pledged at this year’s IAA to reduce carbon emissions by 75 percent by 2040 compared to 2019. Hyundai plans to be carbon neutral in its products and operations globally by 2045.
The three pillars of Hyundai Motor’s comprehensive, multi-dimensional carbon-neutral strategy are: growing its clean mobility lineup, developing next-generation platforms, and investing in green energy solutions and technologies.
Clean Mobility is the first pillar.
Hyundai Motor has progressed towards carbon reduction through its leadership in sustainable mobility since the first exhibition of their EV concept vehicle in 1991.
In the future years, Hyundai Motor plans to gradually raise the sales proportion of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs). Hyundai forecasts battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) to account for 80 percent of its total fleet sales by 2040, with ZEVs accounting for 30 percent of worldwide vehicle sales by 2030.
Starting in 2035, Hyundai Motor wants to provide only ZEVs in Europe. Hyundai plans to phase out all fossil-fuel vehicles in major markets by 2040, supporting the transition to clean mobility.
Vehicle Powered by Batteries (BEV)
Hyundai Motor unveiled its new IONIQ brand for specialized BEVs in August 2020, emphasizing the company’s commitment to the electrified mobility era. Hyundai Motor Company’s parent company, Hyundai Motor Group, introduced its Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) for specialized BEVs later that year.
Hyundai Motor’s IONIQ 5, which debuted in February 2021, is the company’s first BEV to be developed on the E-GMP platform. With sustainable and innovative features like 400 V and 800 V multi-charging and Vehicle-to-Load, the IONIQ 5 has established a new standard for reinventing the electric mobility lifestyle (V2L).
The IONIQ 6 will be Hyundai’s next dedicated BEV, drawing inspiration from the Prophecy EV concept on exhibit at IAA 2021. IONIQ 6 will provide BEV experiences with a focus on customizable, environmentally friendly solutions that can be tailored to any lifestyle.
Electric Vehicle with Fuel Cells (FCEV)
Hyundai Motor has spent more than two decades developing hydrogen fuel cell technology. In 2013, Hyundai introduced the ix35, the world’s first mass-produced FCEV, followed by the NEXO, the world’s first dedicated hydrogen-powered SUV, in 2018. Customers in Switzerland received XCIENT Fuel Cell, the world’s first mass-produced fuel cell electric heavy-duty vehicle, last year. Hyundai unveiled its Elec City Fuel Cell bus in Munich recently, and the vehicle is currently undergoing testing in Europe.
Hyundai presents their passenger FCEV strategy for the next several years at the IAA. Hyundai will unveil the next NEXO model, a hydrogen-powered multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), in 2023. After 2025, Hyundai expects to release a big fuel cell SUV.
Hyundai Motor will also make its fuel cell powertrains available to a wide range of mobility fleets and other sectors of life.
Platforms of the Future (Pillar 2)
Hyundai Motor has made some of the most significant investments in next-generation transportation platforms. This includes a cutting-edge set of transportation options for getting from point A to point B, such as UAM and autonomous vehicles, which provide increased mobility while reducing carbon emissions. These platforms also align with Hyundai’s Progress for Humanity goal, demonstrating the company’s commitment to improving urban livability for future generations.
The robotaxi IONIQ 5 is based on the IONIQ 5 platform.
At IAA Mobility 2021, Hyundai Motor offers the first glimpse at its ground-breaking robotaxi vehicle. The SAE Level 4 autonomous driving vehicle based on IONIQ 5 was developed in collaboration with Motional, a global pioneer in driverless technology.
The robotaxi boasts a technology-driven design that celebrates the creativity underlying the autonomous operation, thanks to an enhanced sensor suite linked to Hyundai’s latest dedicated BEV model. Passengers will be able to intuitively interact with the car during their travel thanks to rider-focused interfaces. When Motional provides its completely driverless service in 2023, it will begin transporting public passengers in the IONIQ 5-based robotaxi.
Air Mobility in Cities (UAM)
Hyundai unveiled the UAM concept car, S-A1, at CES 2020, which is focused on four principles: safety, quietness, affordability, and passenger-centered solutions. In 2028, Hyundai Motor plans to release an all-electric UAM vehicle designed for city driving. The corporation intends to create regional air mobility in the 2030s, connecting nearby cities.
Green Energy is the third pillar.
Hyundai Motor’s carbon-neutral goal extends beyond the adoption of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs). Its goal is to give everyone with cleaner and greener energy options. This includes not just employing renewable energy in the company’s manufacturing facilities, but also making long-term investments in future technologies such as renewable-based green hydrogen, vehicle-to-grid (V2G), and Second Life Battery Energy Storage System (SLBESS).
Hydrogen in its natural state
Green hydrogen produced by electrolysis of water produced by low-carbon power sources is projected to reduce carbon emissions dramatically. Hyundai Motor has invested in worldwide firms like H2Pro to collaborate on green hydrogen technology. Hyundai also intends to build green hydrogen infrastructure in nations with significant government support and plentiful renewable energy sources.
Site-specific carbon reduction
Hyundai Motor has undertaken a variety of initiatives to reduce carbon and other greenhouse gas emissions generated by its production operations. The company’s operations include maintaining its energy-saving efforts and constructing environmentally friendly plants by converting them to renewable energy sources such as photovoltaic power.
Hyundai Motor joined Climate Group’s RE100, a global program committed to advancing toward 100 percent renewable energy, in July with other Hyundai Motor Group affiliates. The Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Czech plant will be the company’s first factory to totally convert to renewable energy in 2022, as part of the agreement. By 2040, the corporation wants to use renewable energy to meet the electrical needs of over 90% of its global operations. Hyundai has committed to using entirely renewable energy to power their entire global activities by 2045.
Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) is a technology that connects vehicles (V2G)
V2G is the most recent technology that permits energy from an electric vehicle’s battery to be sent back to the power grid. It allows for effective energy demand control, particularly during peak hours, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Hyundai is now running a number of V2G pilot programs with a variety of market participants. The V2G capability will be included in the company’s next BEV vehicles.
Battery Energy Storage System with a Second Life (SLBESS)
Hyundai Motor is also exploring the possibility of repurposing and repurposing end-of-life batteries into a new energy storage system business. Hyundai is now collaborating with a number of local energy partners on pilot initiatives to reuse second-hand EV batteries economically. In addition, the company plans to test a small-scale SLBESS application in Germany next year.
“IAA Mobility is the perfect occasion to unveil our global vision for carbon neutrality. IAA is yet another milestone along the sustainable journey we’ve been paving for years. Hyundai Motor will remain steadfast in our pursuit of carbon neutrality and lead the way in the development of holistic solutions,” said Thomas Schemera, Global Chief Marketing Officer at Hyundai Motor Company.
“As a smart mobility solution provider, Hyundai also aspires to provide energy solutions for business and society overall. Climate change won’t be solved without a concerted effort. We will strive to do more for the environment via multiple sustainability projects in the months to come, inviting everyone to join us on our journey towards a cleaner future,” Schemera added.
