Global Hydrogen Partnership Expansion Across Transport and Logistics

Heavy-duty transport, logistics operations and public transportation are the primary areas targeted by the expanded strategic partnership between Hyundai Motor Group and Air Liquide, aimed at accelerating the development of a global hydrogen ecosystem.

The two companies announced the renewal of their Memorandum of Understanding during the Hydrogen Council CEO Summit held in Seoul from December 2 to 4. The agreement strengthens cooperation across the full hydrogen value chain, including production, storage, transportation and end-use, with coordinated deployment planned across Europe, South Korea and the United States.

By aligning Air Liquide’s hydrogen production and distribution expertise with Hyundai Motor Group’s mobility engineering capabilities, the partnership addresses the practical requirements of hydrogen mobility, particularly for fuel cell electric vehicles operating in commercial fleets and public transport networks. The collaboration is positioned within broader decarbonization strategies focused on scalable, low-carbon energy systems.

Hydrogen Infrastructure and Supply Chain Development
A central objective of the renewed partnership is the progressive build-out of hydrogen infrastructure required to support expanding vehicle fleets and industrial use. This includes the development of hydrogen refueling networks and large-scale storage capacity to ensure a reliable supply. The partners are also coordinating on low-carbon and renewable hydrogen production, along with transport and distribution systems that can serve both mobility and adjacent energy applications. Technology innovation remains part of this framework, with a focus on improving the efficiency, cost structure and operational reliability of hydrogen systems.

Hydrogen Mobility Deployment in South Korea
South Korea continues to serve as a reference market for the partnership’s hydrogen deployment strategy. Hyundai Motor Group has already deployed more than 2,000 hydrogen buses and approximately 37,000 passenger fuel cell electric vehicles. These figures reflect one of the largest active FCEV fleets globally.

In parallel, both companies are shareholders in hydrogen refueling initiatives such as Hynet and Kohygen, which are expanding the country’s refueling station network. On the supply side, Air Liquide has reinforced its hydrogen production and filling capabilities through the Lotte-Air Liquide Ener’Hy joint venture. Its 450-bar hydrogen filling center in Daesan, currently the largest of its kind in South Korea, was recently inaugurated to support rising hydrogen demand with cost-competitive supply.

International Industry Coordination
Beyond project deployment, Hyundai Motor Group and Air Liquide also act as co-chairs of the Hydrogen Council. In this role, the two companies contribute to international coordination between manufacturers, energy suppliers and policymakers on hydrogen standards, regulatory frameworks and long-term industry roadmaps. Their continued involvement supports the structured growth of the hydrogen ecosystem at a global level.

Through this expanded agreement, Hyundai Motor Group and Air Liquide are aligning infrastructure investment, vehicle deployment and supply chain development to support the practical scaling of hydrogen mobility across multiple regions. The partnership reflects a coordinated approach to building operational hydrogen ecosystems rather than isolated technology projects.

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