Gasgoo Munich–HTWO Guangzhou, Hyundai Motor Group's hydrogen fuel cell system subsidiary in China, and Air Liquide (China) Investment Co., Ltd. signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) and a confidentiality agreement covering cooperation in hydrogen mobility in Shanghai on November 6, during the ninth China International Import Expo (CIIE). The two companies plan to explore collaboration in hydrogen-powered logistics, fuel cell vehicle demonstrations, and hydrogen production and supply, with the aim of supporting the commercialization of hydrogen mobility in China.
Image source: HTWO Guangzhou
Strengthening Collaboration Across the Hydrogen Value Chain
As the transportation sector advances its transition toward lower-carbon operations, hydrogen is attracting attention for potential applications in medium- and heavy-duty commercial vehicles and long-haul logistics. Scaling up hydrogen mobility requires not only fuel cell technologies and suitable vehicles, but also reliable hydrogen supplies, supporting infrastructure and commercially sustainable operating models.
HTWO Guangzhou is Hyundai Motor Group's first overseas integrated hydrogen fuel cell system facility in China. Its operations cover the research and development, production and sales of hydrogen fuel cell systems, while it is also expanding into hydrogen-powered logistics, commercial vehicle applications and hydrogen ecosystem development. The company draws on Hyundai Motor Group's fuel cell technology and localized industrial operations to advance the application of fuel cell systems in China's commercial vehicle sector.
Air Liquide China is a key operating entity of the Air Liquide Group in China, with capabilities and industrial resources in hydrogen production, storage, transportation and supply.
Choi Doo-ha said HTWO Guangzhou is continuing to integrate hydrogen fuel cell technologies with commercial vehicle applications in China. He expressed the expectation that cooperation with Air Liquide China would strengthen coordination between hydrogen supply and fuel cell vehicle deployment, while helping the companies explore an integrated model connecting vehicles, refueling stations and hydrogen supply.
Exploring Commercial Applications in Hydrogen Logistics
Under the MoU, the two companies plan to explore collaborative development models for hydrogen mobility in China, focusing on hydrogen-powered truck logistics ecosystems, fuel cell vehicle demonstration programs, and hydrogen production and supply.
For practical deployment, the companies intend to examine how hydrogen supply can be coordinated with fuel cell vehicle operations at logistics hubs and along major truck routes. They also plan to work with upstream and downstream industry partners on integrated demonstration projects connecting vehicles, refueling stations and hydrogen supply. By optimizing the hydrogen supply chain and vehicle operating systems, the two sides aim to reduce total lifecycle operating costs and improve the operational efficiency and commercial viability of hydrogen mobility projects.
The cooperation also focuses on coordinating hydrogen supply, vehicle technologies and logistics operations, beyond the deployment of hydrogen technologies and products alone. Through closer collaboration across the industry value chain, the companies hope to develop replicable and sustainable business models and build practical experience for the wider adoption of hydrogen-powered commercial vehicles in China.
Expanding Partnerships to Support Low-Carbon Mobility
The commercialization of hydrogen mobility requires coordination across the entire industry value chain. HTWO Guangzhou will continue to draw on Hyundai Motor Group's hydrogen technology expertise and deepen cooperation with local industry partners in China, while advancing fuel cell system innovation and expanding application scenarios.
The MoU marks a step forward in cooperation between the two companies on hydrogen mobility. They plan to further examine specific application scenarios and implementation approaches, working with industry partners to align hydrogen technologies with practical transportation needs. The collaboration is intended to support decarbonization in China's transportation sector and contribute to the country's dual-carbon goals.
