Santosh Nair Wednesday 26 July 2017, 16:39 PM

New Hyundai

Hyundai has told reporters about their intent to continue funding the R&D for multiple fuel technologies such as hydrogen fuel cell vehicles instead of just going the hybrid or all-electric way in the future.

Hyundai knows that lithium-ion batteries have now reached their peak with respect to maximising energy output. With this in mind, they’ve been pursuing solid-state battery tech for some time now. Despite reportsconfirming that Hyundai is already developing solid-state batteries on its own, the brand admits there is no assurance that they can be made in a commercially viable format.

Until the time Hyundai comes across a new viable form ofbattery technology in the coming years, it will continue tofund research of fuel cell technology. Just to be ready with a viable option if the situation arises. Hyundai has ambitious plans of launching two fuel-cell vehicles, 8 PHEVs, 10 hybrids and 8 all-electric vehicles in the next three years.

Lee Ki-sang, Senior VP – Hyundai, said, “Today’s lithium ion batteries will have run their limit by around 2022 or 2023. Battery makers are already targeting 2025 for next-generation replacements. If a new, next-generation battery appears around 2025, then the market share of electric vehicles will go from 20-30 percent to 80-90 percent of the whole market.”