Hyundai Motor Group is making a long-term bet on energy technologies beyond the traditional lithium-ion battery, with its executive chair signalling that both solid-state batteries and hydrogen fuel cells will define the company’s roadmap for decades to come.
Euisun Chung, speaking on its electrification ambitions in a recorded interview with Automotive News, made it clear the company intends to stay ahead in EV development.
“We are part of the leading group of the EV sales and cars. That’s why I’m so proud of our R&D people and that we have a e-GMP platform, and now we are focusing on the solid state battery.”
Hyundai’s e-GMP architecture already underpins models like the Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6, Kia EV6 and Genesis GV60, giving the group one of the most competitive EV ranges globally.
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But while current models rely on lithium-ion chemistry, the company is investing heavily in solid-state battery research, which promises higher energy density, faster charging, and improved safety.
Mr Chung went further, stressing that hydrogen will also play a key role — not only for cars, but for heavy transport and shipping where battery tech struggles.
“So future EV and hydrogen is very important for our next generation. Maybe next generation. I don’t know, maybe my granddaughter is here or not, but she’s one and a half years old, and after maybe 50 years, they will enjoy maybe a hybrid of EV and fuel cell EV!” he said.
“Of course, tram, train, big ship and boat is moving by hydrogen and trucks.”
Hyundai has been one of the few global carmakers to continue pursuing hydrogen alongside battery EVs, with its Nexo SUV and hydrogen-powered trucks already in limited markets. Mr Chung acknowledged the challenges, particularly the cost.
“Of course, it takes a lot of cost and high cost and until now, hydrogen is very expensive, but we are trying to lowering a price with a hydrogen council,” he said.
“And even in Korea, we are getting hydrogen from waste food and also in [nuclear power plants] there are many places we can get hydrogen, so [we are] lowering costs – then someday, maybe after 30 years, maybe we can use hydrogen fuel cells easily.”
That timeframe reflects Hyundai’s long view: while batteries dominate today, hydrogen could be decisive for future infrastructure, particularly in Asia and Europe, where governments continue to fund hydrogen ecosystems.
Hyundai has committed to developing next-generation fuel cell systems for commercial-exclusive applications.
Mr Chung’s comments underscore Hyundai’s position as one of the few automakers simultaneously betting on battery-electric, hydrogen fuel cell, and hybrid solutions — a hedge that could help the brand weather future shifts in technology and regulation.
