Rolls-Royce, Hyundai join forces on all-electric and hydrogen flight technology

British luxury automotive icon Rolls-Royce has signed a partnership with South Korean automaker Hyundai which will see the two companies collaborate on delivering all-electric propulsion and hydrogen fuel cell technology to the Advanced Air Mobility market.

The new partnership will leverage Rolls-Royce’s extensive aviation experience and certification capabilities as well as Hyundai Motor Group’s own hydrogen fuel cell technologies and industrialisation capabilities.

Both companies are hoping to lead the way in the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) market – referring to emerging aviation technologies such as electronic vertical take-off and landing vehicles (eVTOL), automated and unmanned aircraft, and other technologies designed to move people and cargo.

Specifically, Rolls-Royce and Hyundai are targeting the delivery of battery-electric and fuel cell electric solutions for both the Urban Air Mobility and Regional Air Mobility markets.

“We are delighted to partner with Hyundai Motor Group which provides a valuable opportunity to leverage and build on the capabilities each company brings from the aerospace and automotive sectors,” said Rob Watson, president of Rolls-Royce Electrical.

“The Advanced Air Mobility Market offers great commercial potential, and this collaboration supports our joint ambitions to lead the way in the Advanced Air Mobility Market.

“It is also another demonstration of Rolls-Royce’s role in delivering the solutions that will enable passengers to travel sustainably and help deliver net zero carbon by 2050.”

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two companies will focus on collaborating on the technological development and requirements of power and propulsion systems for Hyundai’s Advanced Air Mobility Division and the industrialisation of Rolls-Royce power and propulsion systems.

Rolls-Royce and Hyundai will also collaborate to bring to market a joint fuel-cell electric propulsion system and deliver a joint fuel-cell electric aircraft demonstration by 2025.