15 November 2021

Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc joins advanced battery research consortium

Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc joins advanced battery research consortium

NEWS RELEASE

DURHAM, N.C. – November 15, 2021 - As automotive lead batteries are set to receive an energy boost through new research unveiled in their new Technical Roadmap, the Consortium for Battery Innovation (CBI) announce their newest member, Hyundai Motor Group

One of the world’s leading car companies, Hyundai Motor Group, joins through its North American design, technology and engineering arm, Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc. (HATCI). Headquartered in Michigan with operations in California and production facilities in Alabama and Georgia, HATCI supports development activities for the Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis brands.

The exciting partnership which brings together innovation on both sides of the automotive sector – research and development – comes at a pivotal time for the global lead battery industry. 

Ramping up research efforts to deliver next-generation advanced lead batteries, CBI’s new Technical Roadmap has identified key research pathways for the technology, widely used in start-stop and micro-hybrids. Another growing automotive application identified in the Roadmap is the use of low-voltage lead batteries in electric vehicles (EVs).

“As Hyundai Motor Group and HATCI continues to strive for an eco-friendly mobility future, we see significant value in joining the Consortium for Battery Innovation,” said John Robb, president, HATCI. “Combining resources, knowledge and testing scenarios will positively influence our industry efforts during a pivotal time in moving towards world-class electric vehicle propulsions.” 

Hyundai Motor Group, joins through its North American design, technology and engineering arm, Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc. (HATCI).

Director of CBI, Dr. Alistair Davidson, said: “Having Hyundai’s Technical Center on board is a giant step forward for the industry in collaborating with the biggest market for advanced lead batteries: the automotive sector. 

“By working together with CBI’s global membership, which spans the entire lead battery value chain, Hyundai can really benefit from the latest in technology advancements and be able to integrate the technology into their products.”

Working with the automotive industry is a key pillar of CBI’s work and covers the entire automotive application space, from 12V batteries used in conventional, start-stop and micro-hybrid vehicles to low-voltage EV batteries. Micro-hybrids are predicted to represent 60% of new car sales globally by 2030.

Each year, CBI holds workshops bringing together global lead battery experts and automotive OEMs to create synergies between pioneering research and automotive developments.

New goals identified in the Roadmap by the CBI membership for automotive applications are building on the targets set out for Dynamic Charge Acceptance (DCA) in 2019. These targets have witnessed industry successes in the last two years, and have been expanded to include:

These goals are critical for the continued role of advanced lead batteries in supporting the global shift to electrification through cleaner forms of transport and e-mobility. 

Involving car manufacturers like Hyundai in CBI’s automotive lead battery efforts is vital, providing clear avenues for accelerating innovation and developing a harmonized perspective of how lead batteries can meet the increasing demand for energy storage in future vehicles.

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Notes to editors

About the Consortium for Battery Innovation

The Consortium for Battery Innovation is the world’s only global pre-competitive research organization funding research into lead batteries for energy storage, motive and automotive applications. For more than 25 years, with its global membership of battery manufacturers, industry suppliers, research institutes and universities, CBI has delivered cutting-edge research pushing the boundaries of innovation in lead battery technology, setting the standard for advanced lead batteries and the next generation of energy storage. For more information, visit our website: www.batteryinnovation.org

Dr. Alistair Davidson, Director of CBI, is available for interview. For more information, please contact CBI’s media contact: Niamh Owen-McLaughlin, +1 425 223 7499; Niamh.mclaughlin@batteryinnovation.org

About Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc.

As one of Hyundai Motor Group's (HMG) seven global centers focused on research and development (R&D), HATCI was established in 1986 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. HATCI is HMG's design, technology and engineering division for North America. As HMG solidified its position as one of the top global OEMs, HATCI has grown to include a strong network of engineering disciplines and increased business-focused activities to support North America's Voice of the Customer.

HATCI supports new model development for HMG's North American operations and global programs from our dedicated engineering facilities and support staff at affiliate sites located throughout the United States. HATCI's success in satisfying the demands of increasingly sophisticated consumers is a direct result of HMG's commitment to the future of American automotive engineering. HATCI upholds a strong R&D philosophy hinged on the creative and passionate input of all team members. This philosophy is paramount to HMG's North American strategy and serves as the foundation for engineering excellence and technological advancement.

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