Collaboration to create synergies leveraging each party’s expertise: advanced ultra-lean combustion engine technology from Hyundai Motor Group, advanced fuel technology from Aramco and KAUST with its research powerhouse
Collaborators aim to validate emissions reduction effect through e-fuel testing on hybrid vehicles
Hyundai Motor Group to minimize emissions levels by utilizing eco-friendly ICE/HEV technology, supporting the company’s transition to clean mobility
Dubai, United Arab Emirates – Hyundai Motor Group today announced that it has agreed with the Saudi Arabian Oil Company (Aramco) and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) to jointly research and develop an advanced fuel for an ultra lean spark ignition engine that aims to reduce overall emissions of carbon dioxide from a vehicle.
Hyundai Motor Group is conducting various R&D activities to minimize greenhouse gas emissions from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles in its transition to battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and fuel cell electric vehicles ( FCEV).
“BEVs and FCEVs will be Hyundai Motor Group’s ultimate technologies to achieve carbon-neutral mobility, while the eco-friendly ICE technology that combines eco-friendly fuel and ultra-lean combustion engine will be key to effectively reducing greenhouse gas emissions as we transition to electric vehicles,” said Alain Raposo, Executive Vice President of Hyundai Motor Group, Head of Electrified Propulsion Technical Unit.
Unlike conventional fuel manufacturing, e-fuels are synthesized from green hydrogen, produced by electrolysis of water using renewable electricity, and carbon dioxide, which reduces emissions by 80% of the life cycle. The ultra-lean combustion engine is an environmentally friendly technology that increases thermal efficiency and fuel economy over conventional engines, resulting in a further reduction in greenhouse gases.
Over the next two years, Hyundai Motor Group, Aramco and KAUST will collaborate to research and eventually develop an advanced fuel formulation to be used in combination with a new combustion system. Hyundai Motor Group, with its automotive and technology leadership, will provide a state-of-the-art ultra-lean gasoline engine for use by the research team.
Aramco aims to leverage its advanced fuel technology to carefully design an effective fuel formulation. KAUST will oversee technology modeling and verification, including engine testing, providing a state-of-the-art combustion research facility. The collaboration should create synergies by leveraging the expertise of each participant.
The joint study aims to verify how much greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced when e-fuel is used in hybrid electric vehicles instead of conventional fuel. In addition, the joint R&D aims to numerically confirm the effect of reducing greenhouse gas emissions through engine simulation and testing. Hyundai Motor Group hopes to achieve carbon neutrality in an efficient way by drastically reducing carbon emissions generated by conventional petroleum fuels through new engine technology.
“As hybrid electric vehicles are deployed, the real challenge now is to advance with optimal fuels and exceptional combustion systems. The Aramco team is providing fuel design and blending know-how to improve the combustion performance of Hyundai Motor Group’s engines and the result could lead to the application of synthetic e-fuels. It’s a space we’re pushing the envelope in and we’re excited to be a part of it,” said Ahmad O. Al-Khowaiter, Aramco’s Chief Technology Officer.
The tests will be conducted by researchers from KAUST’s Clean Combustion Research Center (CCRC). Professor Donal Bradley, Vice President for Research at KAUST, said: “Building more efficient and less polluting transport systems is a key contribution to the circular carbon economy approach to tackling climate change. . Our Clean Combustion Research Center is uniquely placed to support this important development with its excellent track record in the development and optimization of low-carbon fuels. We look forward to working closely with our colleagues at Aramco and Hyundai on this exciting project. »
Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation have each announced Carbon Neutrality 2045 roadmaps, pledging to become carbon neutral in their global products and operations by 2045. The companies will invest in cleaner transportation and greener energy solutions to achieve a better and more sustainable future.
About Hyundai Motor Group
Hyundai Motor Group is a global company that has created a value chain based on mobility, steel and construction, as well as logistics, finance, IT and services.
With approximately 250,000 employees worldwide, the Group’s mobility brands include Hyundai, Kia and Genesis.
Armed with creative thinking, cooperative communication and the will to meet any challenge, we strive to create a better future for all.
