How far can Audi follow this modern marriage of fuel cells?

Audi and Hyundai jointly develop hydrogen fuel cell technology and plans to license a patent for cross-licensing. The two parties will mutually authorize common parts of non-competitive relationship components. It is reported that this cooperation is aimed at improving the efficiency of the production of fuel cells and enabling them to enter the mature stage of mass production as soon as possible. The agreement still requires the relevant regulatory agencies for approval. At the same time, Audi and Hyundai Motor Group are actively exploring more possibilities for long-term cooperation to further promote the research and development of this sustainable technology for fuel cells. After the news broke out, it caused widespread concern in the industry.

The two car companies, one is an Ashkenazi luxury brand that focuses on technology, and one is the largest automotive company in South Korea. Why do they come together because of fuel cells and are hydrogen fuel cells?

Hydrogen fuel cells with long cruising range and the ability to quickly replenish fuels are one of the most advantageous forms of electric vehicles in the future with lithium electronic batteries. Its weight advantage is particularly prominent in the application of large-scale automobiles. Because of zero emissions and no pollution, fuel cells will replace gasoline and diesel engines to power cars, but huge R&D costs are a huge pressure for car companies. The strong cooperation between car companies in fuel cells can be said to have been forced out.

Audi and Hyundai have rich technology accumulation in the field of fuel cells.

Audi shares the VW Group’s internal fuel cell technology research and development. It has nearly 20 years of R&D experience in hydrogen fuel cells and is currently conducting research at the fuel cell R&D center in the Neckarsulm plant in Audi, Germany. Sixth-generation fuel cell research and development. According to Audi's official news, at the beginning of the next decade, Audi will be the first to introduce the first SU V models equipped with fuel cells in small batches. The new models will have extremely long life. This patent cross-licensing with Hyundai Motor Group focuses on the next stage of R&D, aiming at a wider market.

Hyundai Motors is the first company in the world to produce fuel cell vehicles on a large scale. According to media reports, the modern Hobis parts and components manufacturing division opened a fuel cell vehicle core component production system in Chungju, South Korea last year. The annual production capacity of the system is a complete module of 3000 powertrain fuel cells. The company plans to increase its production capacity in the future. To tens of thousands of modules to meet market demand.

In the case of rich technology accumulation on both sides, the cooperation between Audi and Hyundai can shorten the development time and reduce the R&D costs, which is a perfect match.

However, the "Chemistry" of Audi not only sticks out of the olive branch in the modern era, but it will also cooperate with the second and third companies in the future. "In the planning blueprint for Audi's fuel cell electric vehicles, we will cooperate with the giants," said Peter Meertens, director of technology development at Audi AG, "to advance this sustainable development technology breakthrough. Cooperation will be a wise move to achieve innovation and reduce costs.” It is worth noting that just a few days ago, foreign media exposed the dissolution of Nissan’s hydrogen fuel cell cooperation with Renault, Daimler, and Ford for five years. Not coincidentally, the auto fuel cell joint venture established by the three parties of Ford Motor Company, Daimler Corporation and Canada Ballard Power Systems Company also announced that it will close soon. The reasons for the end of these fuel cell projects are very similar—all automobile manufacturing giants need to focus their funds and technicians on the research and development of pure electric vehicles.

The reasons for the suspension of fuel cell cooperation among these car companies were mainly due to the high cost of fuel cell vehicles and the relatively small number of markets that could not achieve large-scale commercialization. In the light of the lesson, how long the marriage between Audi and Hyundai will last will take time to test it.