Hyundai Group, Seoul Univ. new research center aims to improve EVs

Updated Aug 01, 2023 | Same topic: Automotive Industry Updates

Its grand goal is longer EV ranges and shorter charging times. 

The Hyundai Motor Group (HMG) has established a battery research center via a partnership with the Seoul National University (SNU). Their overall goal is to improve electric vehicle driving distance and the shortening of charge times.

Hyundai and SNU leadership research center plaque

Hyundai executives together with SNU professors

Boasting high-tech research infrastructure, the new facility is located within SNU’s main campus in the Gwanak District of Seoul City. The engineers and scientists who will man the facility are Korea’s foremost experts on battery technology, thus serving to bridge the gap between the car industry and academia. 

Specific areas of research that the new establishment will cover include lithium metal, solid-state batteries, battery management systems, battery process technologies, and among others. The research center also goes beyond theoretical studies and considers mass production. This means it has the capability to quickly apply research results to products like EVs. 

The group also ensures that the facility will run smoothly by putting up a fully-fledged support system. Until 2030, HMG will also invest around 30 billion Korean Won into the facility to aid its research activities and projects. At current exchange rates, that investment is equivalent to about Php 1.284 billion. 

Besides monetary support, both Hyundai and its subsidiary Kia will also be sending their own teams of scientists and engineers to become members of the SNU - Hyundai joint research facility.  Seminars and consultations on battery technologies will also be held in the new research center as a means to share knowledge between SNU and the Hyundai Motor Group. 

HMG and SNU executives

HMG and SNU executives during the joint research facility's inauguration ceremony

During the inauguration of the facility, Hyundai Executive Chair Euisun Chung said that the advanced batteries this joint research facility will develop will aid the brand in building a diverse lineup of mobility solutions. The university This coincides with the company’s “commitment to a sustainable environment for future generations.” 

Note that Hyundai’s global push for EVs includes the Philippine market where the Ioniq 5 fully-electric crossover is already available. As such, it is highly likely that the fruits of this joint effort will someday reach local roads as well. 

For more car news and automotive industry updates, keep it here on Philkotse

Know more about Hyundai

Hyundai

In the local market, Hyundai Motor Philippines Inc., under the leadership of Lee Dong-Wook now sells Hyundai models locally as of 2022.  

The brand’s lineup consists of the new crossovers which includes the Tucson, Santa Fe, and Creta. Under the MPV category, the Korean marque then has the new Staria model. The most affordable model in the local Hyundai lineup is the Creta's GL variant, which is priced at Php 998,000. The most expensive meanwhile is the Santa Fe, which retails at Php 2,420,000.

Of note, Philkotse makes sure to update its Hyundai car price list as needed. It also provides an up-to-date list of car promos for the said brand, as well as a list of Hyundai dealerships around the country. 

Cesar G.B. Miguel

Cesar G.B. Miguel

Author

Cesar Guiderone B. Miguel was born and raised in Iligan City, Lanao Del Norte. He graduated in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts in English degree from Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology. He previously worked as a freelance writer for various websites, as a member of the Iligan City Disaster Risk Reduction Management's training staff, and as a medical sales representative.

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