Hyundai Motor Group has unveiled a centralized strategy for its software-defined vehicles (SDVs) and an expanded hydrogen ecosystem during CES 2024 in Las Vegas. The company aims to accelerate the development of clean energy solutions and advance its commitment to hydrogen energy by expanding its HTWO brand into a comprehensive hydrogen value chain enterprise. Additionally, Hyundai plans to integrate a software development kit for third-party developers to create bespoke apps for its SDVs, enriching the driving experience.
The concept of software-defined vehicles involves enhancing a car’s features through software updates without altering its physical components. This approach allows for improvements in areas such as fuel efficiency, safety features, and suspension settings. By adopting a similar strategy to Tesla’s software updates, Hyundai aims to offer enhanced safety and performance to its customers.
To further enhance the driving experience, Hyundai plans to introduce an app ecosystem specifically designed for its SDVs. This ecosystem will enable third-party developers to create customized apps for Hyundai’s vehicle environment, providing a tailored experience for users.
Moreover, Hyundai is integrating a ChatGPT-like language model developed by its autonomous driving tech startup, 42dot, into its AI assistant and navigation systems. This integration will enable natural conversations with the AI assistant, moving away from fixed command sets.
Hyundai is also expanding its focus to offer software-defined fleet solutions for business clients. These solutions will provide tailored fleet management services with real-time data analytics and user-friendly interfaces. By broadening its offerings, Hyundai aims to meet the diverse needs of its customers and provide comprehensive solutions for fleet management.
Looking ahead, Hyundai envisions a future where software, AI-driven devices, and mobility converge to create an accessible and seamless transportation ecosystem. This concept, known as Cloud Transportation, could allow users to summon a self-driving car via an app, pre-configured with their preferences and optimal routes by integrating with urban traffic infrastructure.
To support its software platform, Hyundai has formed a partnership with Tenstorrent, a specialist in neural processing units. The collaboration will involve the co-development of advanced central processing units (CPUs) and AI co-processors. This partnership is further strengthened by a $100 million joint investment with Samsung Electronics. The addition of Tenstorrent’s CTO Jim Keller, known for his work on Tesla’s Full Self-Driving Chip 3.0, will bring valuable expertise to the collaboration.
Hyundai’s expanded hydrogen ecosystem aims to create synergy between its hydrogen expertise and its diverse industrial capabilities, including automotive, steel, and construction. By integrating these sectors, Hyundai seeks to develop a comprehensive hydrogen value chain that encompasses production, storage, distribution, and application.
Internationally, Hyundai is playing a leading role in hydrogen initiatives. It has undertaken local water-to-hydrogen projects in Indonesia and is participating in the NorCAL ZERO project in Northern California, deploying 30 Hyundai XCIENT Class 8 hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks.
Kim Chang-hwan, Senior Vice President and Head of Hydrogen Fuel Cell and Battery Development at Hyundai, highlighted the company’s focus on green hydrogen production. They aim to be both environmentally friendly and cost-effective, breaking new ground in fuel cell technology.
Hyundai’s centralized strategy for software-defined vehicles and expanded hydrogen ecosystem reflects the company’s strong commitment to clean energy solutions and a future-oriented approach to mobility. By embracing software and hydrogen technologies, Hyundai aims to enhance safety, performance, and sustainability in the automotive industry.
