Hyundai Open To Synthetic Fuel for ICE Vehicles

Korean Company Eager for Electrification and Hydrogen

Electrification and phasing out of traditional fuel-driven power plants have become realities on the global stage. Practically each car making entity pledged to have a comprehensive range of electric vehicles ready by the end of this present decade. In addition, some automakers, like Hyundai, are also investing in creating no-emission products like cars powered by hydrogen.

In the interim, different corporations have yet to forsake on internal combustion motors (ICEs) and are working on implementing methods to protect them via synthetic fuels, known as e-fuels. More than that, these alternatives cause no emissions, whilst widespread commercial deployment continues to be a goal.

Hyundai isn’t exactly one of those distinguished makers – or, at least not yet. At a round-table with Hyundai Motor Company representatives that followed the Seoul Mobility Show, we inquired whether HMC is already planning to develop artificial fuel or cars that could make use of these fuels as a power source.

Kim Woo Suk, the Head of Hyundai Motor Company’s Asia Product Planning Division, declared that HMC is presently focusing their effort onto electric and hydrogen-powered automotive technology. For now, they do not appear to be looking into any other fuel sources.

Jin Cha, Vice President and Head of Hyundai’s Global PR Corporate Strategy & Planning Team, stated, “We have a great number of personnel in our company, and it can be difficult to keep track of what each engineer is researching. Therefore, we can’t discount the possibility that Hyundai may develop the use of synthetic fuel in the future. As of now, we haven’t commercialized any synthetic fuels, but you never know what the future may bring.”

In a current breakthrough, the European Union has settled on an understanding concerning a planned prohibition of combustion-engine vehicles from 2035. Automakers may still distribute ICE automobiles; however, they have to be powered by e-fuel. The European Commission has accepted forming a novel vehicle type for models limited to operativity with e-fuel. Vehicles operated with e-fuel in Europe would necessitate technology to guarantee that existing fuels such as gasoline or diesel are not used.

Electro-fuel is known to be carbon-neutral while in use since the carbon dioxide generated is released back into the environment. Unfortunately, these types of fuel are not presently provided in considerable quantities. After Germany and seven other European countries forcefully opposed with the prime suggestion, a contractual agreement was eventually put in place.