Hyundai Motor introduces a dedicated fuel cell brand

Hyundai Motor on Thursday said it is introducing a brand dedicated to its hydrogen fuel cell system in a transition meant to boost that business.

Hyundai Motor Group, which includes Hyundai Motor and Kia Motors, said the name ‘HTWO’ stands for the hydrogen molecule, H2, and also “hydrogen” and “humanity.”

The automaker said it is stepping up efforts for developing fuel cell systems that can be used in the Urban Air Mobility (UAM), auto, vessels, and trains markets, with a focus on South Korea, the United States, Europe, and China.

Since the introduction of the ix35 fuel cell electric vehicle in 2013, the automaker has added the NEXO SUV, the XCIENT fuel cell heavy-duty truck, and a fuel cell electric bus.

Hyundai Chairman Euisun Chung identified hydrogen fuel cells, and also autonomous driving, electrification, robotics, and UAM – industry jargon for flying cars- as his projects for the future.

Hydrogen supporters say it is cleaner compared to other carbon-cutting technologies because water and heat are the only byproducts and it can be made from a number of sources, including methane, coal, water, and even garbage. Fuel cell vehicles remain a niche technology, however, amid concerns about a lack of fueling stations, resale values, and the risk of hydrogen explosions.