South Korean automaker KG Mobility Corporation (KGM) has recently announced a groundbreaking collaboration with Phinia Delphi France SA to develop a hydrogen-powered light vehicle engine. This partnership is part of a government-sponsored project in South Korea, which also involves the Korea Automotive Technology Institute. The main goal of this collaboration is to create a low-cost hydrogen engine for light vehicles.
The agreement was signed at KGM’s research and development (R&D) center in Pyeongtaek, just south of Seoul. The focus of the research will be on developing a hydrogen internal combustion engine (ICE) based on KGM’s existing 2L diesel engine. Ultimately, the project aims to produce a hydrogen-powered light multi-purpose utility vehicle.
Phinia Delphi will contribute its expertise in fuel-injection and electronic control unit (ECU) technologies, while KGM will bring its proprietary diesel engine technologies to the table. This collaboration is expected to lead to the development of cutting-edge hydrogen engines and open up new markets for alternative fuel vehicles and eco-friendly pickups.
KGM, formerly known as Ssangyong Motor, was acquired by a consortium led by local steel and chemicals firm KG Group in late 2022. The company sold 109,424 vehicles globally last year, primarily SUVs.
This partnership between KGM and Phinia marks a significant step forward in the development of hydrogen-powered vehicles and underscores the commitment of both companies to innovation and sustainability in the automotive industry. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting collaboration and the future of hydrogen-powered vehicles.
