KGM signs new agreement to explore hydrogen power

KGM has partnered with a French company to help it develop new hydrogen-based powertrains for its cars.

The South Korean firm – formerly known as Ssangyong – signed a technical cooperation agreement with Phinia Delphi, a specialist in hydrogen and diesel engine components.

As a result, the pair will look to develop a hydrogen powertrain that could be used in both ‘industrial and vehicular applications’.

The move is being pushed forward by a national project in KGM’s Korean home run by MOTIE, or the South Korean Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. The department is focusing on ‘promoting low-carbon technologies and practices, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition towards a carbon-neutral economy’.

The project looks to develop a 2.0-litre-based hydrogen engine that would deliver a driving range of over 500km (310 miles) while meeting the most stringent emissions regulations.

A KGM representative said: “Eco-friendly hydrogen engines are a crucial next-generation powertrain technology. The hydrogen engine developed through this collaboration will be applicable not only to vehicles but also to construction and industrial machinery.

“Leveraging KGM’s unique ICE expertise, we aim to pioneer the alternative fuel market and expand the eco-friendly pickup segment, targeting niche opportunities in the ICE market.”

KGM also announced that it would be launching a number of plug-in hybrid powertrains within its existing range of cars throughout 2025.