Rolls-Royce and Hyundai are collaborating to create an advanced air mobility fuel-cell electric propulsion system.
The partnership, announced at the Farnborough Airshow in the United Kingdom on Tuesday, will combine Rolls-aviation Royce’s expertise with Hyundai’s hydrogen fuel cell technology. The automakers hope to complete a joint fuel-cell electric aircraft demonstration by 2025.
Aerospace could be the next frontier for automakers looking to apply electric and hydrogen propulsion technology to modes of transportation other than cars. Hyundai has set aside $1.4 billion for flying taxis in South Korea by 2025, while Honda plans to build a hybrid eVTOL aircraft. Toyota and General Motors are also developing technology in order to gain a foothold in the burgeoning market.
Rolls-Royce, a long-time manufacturer of aircraft engines, is also no slouch in the skies. The ultra-luxury British and mass-market Korean brands will collaborate to develop hydrogen fuel cells, storage systems, and aerospace infrastructure for use in their own electrified vehicles.
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“The Advanced Air Mobility Market offers tremendous commercial potential, and this collaboration supports our shared ambitions to lead the way in the Advanced Air Mobility Market,” said Rob Watson, president of Rolls-Royce Electrical.
Air mobility is one of four core areas in which Hyundai intends to invest $10 billion in U.S. operations by 2025. At the air show, the automaker also unveiled a five-passenger eVTOL vehicle cabin concept developed with its urban air mobility subsidiary, Washington, DC-based Supernal.
