Hyundai Motor Co., Ltd. will jointly develop the core technology of hydrogen fuel cells with ‘Impact Coatings’, a company specializing in precision coatings in Sweden.
The two companies, including the chairman of the board of directors, signed the ‘MOU for Hydrogen Fuel Cell Development Cooperation’.
Both companies announced a strategic partnership in October to cooperate in the development of coating technology for metal bipolar plates, a key component of hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles., the MOU will establish a close cooperation system between the two companies to accelerate hydrogen fuel cell technology innovation.
Impact Coatings, founded in 1997, specializes in the precision coatings of plastics and metals, a key automotive material.
Hyundai Motor is very excited about ‘Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) ceramic coating’ technology, which is the fuel cell separator coating technology of Impact Coatings.
The surface of the separator plate of the fuel cell stack, which is referred to as the ‘heart’ of a hydrogen-electric vehicle, is subjected to ultra-precision coating to increase conductivity and prevent surface corrosion.
Currently, precious metals are used as coating materials, but if Impact Coatings’ physical vapor deposition ceramic coating technology is applied, the performance will be improved and manufacturing costs will be drastically reduced.
It is expected to drive the popularization of hydrogen-electric vehicles by lowering the selling price of hydrogen-electric vehicles produced by Hyundai Motors.
Hyundai Motor and Impact Coatings are planning to commercialize the coating technology by applying it to mass production vehicles based on mutual cooperation.
Park Sun-chan, Head of Fuel Cell Business Division, Hyundai Motor, said, “ At the time when the value of hydrogen energy is being illuminated in various parts of the world, such as Europe, Asia, America, Oceania, Middle East, and Africa, the national road map is being announced. We are working together to secure core technologies in the hydrogen fuel cell field in order to secure the initiative .
Impact Coatings Mark Shay, Chairman of the Board of Directors, said, “In keeping with the strong ties between Korea and Sweden for 60 years, Impact Coatings and Hyundai Motor are co-developing separator coating technology for fuel cell and hydrogen production .” “The two companies have a common goal of spreading clean energy around the world,” he said.
Both companies announced a strategic partnership in October to cooperate in the development of coating technology for metal bipolar plates, a key component of hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles. They will jointly research and develop novel materials, processes, and equipment for coatings.
Impact Coating Press Release Below.
South Korea, Japan, Germany and other industrialized countries invest heavily in hydrogen technology, a complement to batteries and in many respects a more complete solution for electrification at a global level. Hydrogen, which is converted into electricity in fuel cells, is used for transport, industry, electricity and heat for households and for a number of other areas. Both Sweden and South Korea have technology companies that are at the forefront of this technology development.
The Declaration of Intent, which is non-binding and has no defined economic value, follows the joint development agreement between the parties announced on October 30, 2019. The Declaration of Intensification strengthens the relationship between the companies and has an important symbolic value in the light of the strong diplomatic and economic relations between South Korea and Sweden, connections that celebrate 60 years of progress in 2019.
The signing took place in connection with Prime Minister Stefan Löfven and Foreign Minister Anna Hallberg visiting Seoul together with a large delegation from the Swedish business community. Hyundai was represented by Young Woon Kong, President of Hyundai Motor Group Strategy Planning Division, and Soon Chan Park, Vice President of Hyundai Motor Fuel Cell Business Group. From Impact Coatings, Chairman Mark Shay and Sales Manager Will Wright attended.
“The partnership between Hyundai and Impact Coatings comes at an important time for hydrogen gas development, where governments around the world announce their countries’ hydrogen plans and industry players compete to be the market leader,” said Soon Chan Park, Vice President of Hyundai Motor Fuel Cell Business Group . “I believe that the cooperation between our two companies will help to revitalize the technical exchange between Korea and Sweden.”
“The strong ties that have been established between Sweden and South Korea for sixty years are reflected in the journey that Impact Coatings and Hyundai are now embarking on to develop fuel cell coatings and hydrogen technology. We have a common focus on innovation and the transition to clean energy, not only in our countries but for the whole world, ”said Impact Coating’s Chairman Mark Shay.
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