Hyundai Motor Corporation is starting to develop internal combustion engines, Korea Economic Daily reported last week.
According to reports, the automaker has closed its internal combustion engine research and development center in Namyang, South Korea.
“Now, the transition to electrification is inevitable,” Park Chung-kook, newly appointed boss of Hyundai R&D, said in an email to employees quoted by the company. Korea Economic Daily. He said Hyundai “had to change the system” by shifting R&D resources away from the internal combustion engine.
2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5
According to the report, teams previously involved in internal combustion will be moved to develop electric powertrains, as well as much of the physical infrastructure at the Namyang R&D site.
Exactly six months ago, Reuters report that Hyundai has stopped developing new internal combustion engines, but said the automaker plans to continue improving performance on existing designs for emerging markets.
Hyundai is launching a new series of electric vehicles based on its E-GMP modular platform for the new Ioniq sub-brand, as well as the existing Kia. and Genesis brand. It plans to start building electric vehicles in the United States next year.
Concepts of Hyundai Hydrogen Wave
The automaker also expects to have 10 electric models in its lineup in the U.S. by the end of next year, but that includes hybrids and plug-in hybrids along with battery electric vehicles and models. Nexo hydrogen fuel cell crossover (California only).
Earlier this year, Hyundai also announced a hydrogen fuel cell vision. It plans to achieve fuel-cell vehicle pricing comparable to battery-powered vehicles by 2030. Hyundai is also advocating the use of fuel cells in commercial trucks and possibly pickup trucks and SUVs also.
