The every-other-year German auto show, IAA—German for International Automobile Exposition—has kept abreast of developments in every aspect of mobility since 1897. The IAA was there when the first generation of motor cars first rolled European streets. This year, the IAA Mobility, held from Sept. 7 to 12 in Munich, focused on electric autonomous vehicles and mobility.
In that same event, Hyundai Motor has made a commitment to reduce its carbon emissions 75 percent below the 2019 level by 2040. Hyundai will achieve carbon neutrality in its products and global operations by 2045.
Hyundai Motor’s integrated, multi-dimensional strategy for carbon neutrality consists of three pillars: expanding its clean mobility lineup, developing next-generation platforms, and investing in green energy solutions and technologies.
“Under our company’s vision, Progress for Humanity, Hyundai Motor is determined to do the right thing for the world. Climate change is an undeniable challenge that needs everyone’s utmost and urgent attention. Hyundai Motor commits to become carbon neutral in its global products and operations by 2045, and we will make investments in cleaner transportation and greener energy solutions to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all.”
Jaehoon (Jay) Chang, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor

Pillar 1: Clean Mobility
Hyundai Motor commits to gradually increase the sales share of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) in upcoming years. By 2030, Hyundai aims to secure 30 percent of its global vehicles sales with ZEVs, and by 2040, the company expects that battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) will account for 80 percent of its total fleet sales.
By region, Hyundai Motor plans to offer only ZEVs in Europe, starting in 2035. By 2040, Hyundai will phase out all vehicles using fossil fuels in major markets, supportive of the transition to clean mobility.
In August 2020, Hyundai Motor launched its new IONIQ brand for dedicated BEVs, signaling its commitment to the electrified mobility era.Hyundai Motor’s IONIQ 5, which launched in February 2021, is the brand’s first BEV built upon E-GMP. IONIQ 5 has set a new benchmark for redefining the electric mobility lifestyle with sustainable and innovative features, such as 400 V and 800 V multi-charging and Vehicle-to-Load (V2L).
Hyundai Motor also reports that it has invested in hydrogen fuel cell technology for more than 20 years. Hyundai launched ix35, the world’s first mass-produced FCEV, in 2013, followed by NEXO, the first dedicated hydrogen-powered SUV, in 2018. Last year, the company delivered XCIENT Fuel Cell, the world’s first mass-produced, fuel cell electric heavy-duty truck, to customers in Switzerland.

Pillar 2: Next-generation platforms
Hyundai Motor has made leading investments in the field of next-generation transportation platforms. This includes an innovative set of mobility options to get from point A to B, such as UAM and autonomous vehicles, offering greater freedom of mobility without a carbon footprint. These platforms are also in line with the company’s Progress for Humanity vision, and shows Hyundai’s commitment to enhance urban livability for the future generations.
During the IAA Mobility 2021, Hyundai Motor unveiled the first look of its groundbreaking robotaxi model at. The vehicle features rider-focused interfaces to allow passengers to intuitively interact with the vehicle during their ride. Motional will begin transporting public passengers in the IONIQ 5-based robotaxi when it launches its fully driverless service in 2023.

Pillar 3: Green Energy
Hyundai Motor’s carbon neutral strategy goes beyond the transition to ZEVs. It aims to provide cleaner and greener energy solutions for all. This includes not only using renewable energy at the company’s production facilities, but also making long-term investments in future technologies, such as green hydrogen based on renewable energy, Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) and Second Life Battery Energy Storage System (SLBESS).
For Green Hydrogen, Hyundai Motor has invested in global startups, such as H2Pro, to cooperate in the field of green hydrogen. Meanwhile, Hyundai Motor has been carrying out a number of activities to reduce the amount of carbon and other greenhouse gas emissions produced by its manufacturing processes. The company’s actions include continuing with its energy reduction activities and building eco-friendly plants by converting them to renewable energy sources like photovoltaic power.
In July, Hyundai Motor teamed with other affiliates of Hyundai Motor Group to join Climate Group’s RE100, a global initiative committed to moving toward 100 percent renewable energy. Under the commitment, the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Czech plant will be the company’s first factory to completely convert its electricity usage to renewable energy in 2022. The company aims to meet the electricity needs of over 90 percent of its global operations with renewable energy by 2040. Hyundai commits to power its entire global operations only with renewable energy by 2045.
The V2G is the latest technology that allows energy to be pushed back to the power grid from the battery of an EV. It enables efficient energy demand management especially during peak hours, thus lessening dependence on fossil fuels.
Hyundai is currently conducting several V2G pilot programs with various stakeholders in the market. The company plans to implement the V2G function to its upcoming BEV models.
Hyundai Motor is also looking to recover and transform end-of-life batteries into a new business of energy storage systems. Hyundai is currently working with various local energy partners to run pilot projects to commercially reuse second-life EV batteries. Also, the company is scheduled to test a small size application of SLBESS in Germany next year.
“IAA Mobility is the perfect occasion to unveil our global vision for carbon neutrality. IAA is yet another milestone along the sustainable journey we’ve been paving for years. Hyundai Motor will remain steadfast in our pursuit of carbon neutrality and lead the way in the development of holistic solutions,” said Thomas Schemera, Global Chief Marketing Officer at Hyundai Motor Company.
“As a smart mobility solution provider, Hyundai also aspires to provide energy solutions for business and society overall. Climate change won’t be solved without a concerted effort. We will strive to do more for the environment via multiple sustainability projects in the months to come, inviting everyone to join us on our journey towards a cleaner future,” Schemera added. More information about Hyundai Motor and its products can be found at: http://worldwide.hyundai.com or http://globalpr.hyundai.com