Hyundai Motor Group and Georgia Tech have entered into a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on research and development of hydrogen-fueled engines for large trucks and electric vehicle (EV) batteries. This agreement formalizes their partnership on EV and hydrogen research and establishes workforce training and curricula for Hyundai’s EV and battery factory near the Georgia coast and a battery plant in Bartow County. The $7.6 billion EV and battery factory, called the Metaplant, is currently under construction in Savannah and could pave the way for the state’s first network of hydrogen-powered tractor-trailers and commercial vehicles.
Hydrogen-powered vehicles have been touted as a way to decarbonize sectors that are hard to transition away from fossil fuels. While hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe, it is rarely found alone on Earth and needs to be isolated for use as a fuel. Hyundai’s focus on hydrogen has spurred efforts by state leaders in Georgia to explore the implementation of a network of hydrogen fueling stations. This partnership with Georgia Tech will help Hyundai connect with young engineers and potential workers as the company is expected to hire thousands of workers for its manufacturing plants in the coming years.
The Metaplant is set to open in January 2025, but Hyundai believes it could potentially be ready to open three months early. Additionally, a hydrogen fuel network along the Georgia coast could expand across the state, benefiting Hyundai’s other large factories in Alabama and Georgia.
Sources:
– Georgia Institute of Technology