The high way to hydrogen mobility
There was a time when the thought of hydrogen-powered vehicles cruising down the highway, running on nothing but water, was confined to comic books and future fantasy movies.
When Hyundai started its hydrogen fuel-cell journey 27 years ago, no one in those early research and engineering teams could have imagined the new mobility era they helped set in motion. Cutting-edge FCEVs like the all-new Hyundai NEXO are a part of their legacy.
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Driven by the belief in a better future
Hydrogen fuel cell stacks are an essential component of FCEVs. When Hyundai set out to create its own independently created stacks, it faced a significant challenge – hydrogen fuel cell stacks were notoriously tricky to make. However, the standard was set high, and just like explorers looked up to the North Star for orientation, Hyundai engineers named the project Polaris as their guiding symbol.
The Mercury Project heats things up
Our partnership with UTC Power marked the beginning of the Mercury project, which aimed to establish Hyundai as a significant player in hydrogen fuel cell technology and clean mobility. UTC Power had already established a reputation for innovation by supplying fuel cell systems to NASA. Together, we set out to collaborate on putting hydrogen power on the road.
The project was ambitious in every way, with its own unique set of challenges and demands on the teams. Throughout the Mercury project, Hyundai sent seven engineers to the US to work alongside UTC colleagues. Both teams committed fully to project development. Even while stationed in the US, the Hyundai engineers purposely did not adjust to the local time zone and instead worked night shifts.
Reaching for the stars withthe Polaris Project
Hydrogen fuel cell stacks are an essential component of FCEVs. When Hyundai set out to create its own independently created stacks, it faced a significant challenge – hydrogen fuel cell stacks were notoriously tricky to make. However, the standard was set high, and just like explorers looked up to the North Star for orientation, Hyundai engineers named the project Polaris as their guiding symbol.
Hydrogen fuel cell stacks are an essential component of FCEVs. When Hyundai set out to create its own independently created stacks, it faced a significant challenge – hydrogen fuel cell stacks were notoriously tricky to make. However, the standard was set high, and just like explorers looked up to the North Star for orientation, Hyundai engineers named the project Polaris as their guiding symbol.
You will never create something great in just one attempt. Let young engineers build whatever cars they envision without worrying about the costs. There's no need to produce 100 identical cars to save money. Even if all 100 cars are different, that's fine.
Fueling the future of clean mobility
We've come a long way since those early days of test trials and graphite bipolar plate stacking. Today, we produce world-class fuel cell vehicles equipped with systems developed in-house. From recognition on the Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems list to the world’s first mass-produced hydrogen-powered heavy-duty truck and the All-New NEXO, our hydrogen technology is leading the way as we continue to drive and build a hydrogen ecosystem.
No matter where the journey takes us, we will continue to use all our commitment, curiosity, and expertise to foster innovation and stay true to our philosophy of progress for humanity. We look forward to all the breakthroughs ahead.
