Hyundai Motor Group (HGM) and Rolls-Royce are partnering to develop advanced air mobility (AAM) solutions using both all-electric propulsion and hydrogen fuel cell technology.

The companies signed an MOU earlier this week which covers five strategic aims, including developing a joint fuel-cell electric aircraft demonstration by 2025. The partnership will focus on the Urban Air Mobility (UAM) and Regional Air Mobility (RAM) markets, as well as advancing sustainable aviation, Kallanish notes.

The benefit of using a hydrogen fuel cell system in an all-electric aircraft propulsion system is a reliable on-board power source that enables scalability in power offerings as well as long distance flight range, the companies say in a joint statement.

Rolls-Royce’s aviation and certification capabilities coupled with HGM's hydrogen fuel cell technologies and industrialisation capability set the ground for a successful cooperation. Together they intend to industrialise Rolls-Royce power and propulsion systems for the AAM market, as well as develop electric propulsion systems based on fuel cell for Hyundai’s RAM platforms.

Having delivered fuel cell systems to the global automotive market, HGM is now exploring aerospace applications, as the company believes this is a “key technology to support the global aviation industry’s goal to fly net-zero carbon by 2050.”

On Tuesday, Rolls-Royce announced a new partnership with low-cost airline easyJet to pioneer hydrogen engine combustion technology.