Hyundai Motor Company Australia (HMCA) is investing in a new hydrogen vehicle refueller as part of its commitment to grow the Australian hydrogen mobility sector
The $1.7 million facility at its Sydney corporate headquarters will support Hyundai’s range of hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), including the hydrogen-powered SUV the Nexo.
HMCA will work with Australian gas technology company ENGV in the refueller’s construction, expected to be operational by late 2022.
It will produce its own green hydrogen via an integrated electrolyser and will provide up to 20kg of hydrogen daily, providing 700 bar refuelling capability which will enable the Nexo to travel up to 666km (WLTP) on a single tank, with a less than a five-minute refuelling time.
Hyundai has been investing in the Australian hydrogen sector since 2014, when the company built the country’s first light vehicle hydrogen refuelling station at its Macquarie Park headquarters.
The new refueller will replace HMCA’s existing hydrogen refuelling station, which has been operational since 2014 and has done fills of both Hyundai and competitor FCEVs and hydrogen forklifts.
The new facility will enable Hyundai to support its expanding range of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles through faster refuelling and green hydrogen generated on site. It will also enable the company to continue its activities showcasing the benefits of hydrogen mobility technologies to external stakeholders.
“This investment forms part of Hyundai’s long-term commitment to a zero-emission future for Australia,” HMCA chief executive Ted Lee says.
“Hydrogen fuel cell mobility is anticipated to play an integral role in the country’s transition to cleaner drivetrains and we intend to help lay the stepping stones toward making this vision a reality.”
Hyundai has selected US-based PDC Machines and IVYS Energy Solutions to supply the hydrogen refuelling station, known as the SimpleFuelFast, with ENGV responsible for local integration, installation and ongoing operational services.
This engagement follows CSIRO’s Victorian Hydrogen Hub announcement in mid-2021 which will see ENGV, PDC Machines and IVYS Energy Solutions working together to construct a hydrogen refuelling system at the national science agency’s Melbourne facility.
ENGV chief executive Sean Blythe says Hyundai’s project will leverage the experience gained through the CSIRO project as well as the company’s delivery of the first public hydrogen refuelling station, commissioned by the ACT Government in Canberra.
This announcement follows Hyundai’s deployment of the Nexo to the ACT and Queensland Government, with both successfully integrating the vehicles into their existing fleets.
HMCA anticipates a growing market for its advanced hydrogen technologies in Australia, including passenger and commercial vehicles as well as stationary power applications.
The company is now working with government and industry stakeholders across Australia to realise hydrogen mobility projects, with the ultimate aim being a connected hydrogen refuelling network nationwide.
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