New hydrogen concept from Hyundai is taking back “tank turn”
When Rivian posted its now legendary “tank turn” video back in 2019, it forced a lot of people to realize that electric drive could open up new possibilities for the way cars move. Now, Hyundai Rotem is promising to build a silent, electric-drive battle tank that can pull off the same trick — and a whole lot more.
Diesel-electric drive technology isn’t new. It’s been powering trains, cranes, and other big machines for decades. It’s only relatively recently that the US military began experimenting with diesel electric “hybrid” tanks, however — with the Bradley BHEV prototype breaking cover (publicly, at least) for the first time in 2022. The US Army reported that the hybrid electric drive configuration allowed for a 20% improvement in fuel economy, increased operating range, and improved performance. At the same time, the Army speculated that the Bradley BHEV would require reduced maintenance compared to its diesel counterparts, due to a reduction in the number of moving parts and the reduced load(s) on the diesel generator.
Hyundai Rotem’s latest concept takes that idea a step further by removing the diesel generator altogether and replacing it with hydrogen fuel cells that would not only send power to electric motors driving the tank’s treads, but do so silently.
What’s more, because a fuel cell and battery pack-equipped tank can operate without giving off a diesel exhaust’s heat signature, it effectively masks the tank from thermal vision equipment and heat-seeking weaponry.
“In line with the ESG [environmental, social, governance] trend, we are developing tanks powered by hydrogen fuel cells, an eco-friendly energy source,” a Hyundai Rotem official said. “In collaboration with the [Korean government’s] Agency for Defense Development and others, with the development expected to be completed around 2040 according to the research roadmap.”
Which — look, calling hydrogen a “green” fuel is controversial, at best. It’s certainly impossible for hydrogen to compete with battery electric for transportation, but there may be a case for its use in extremely energy-dense situations like severe duty heavy equipment that might sink into mud or dirt due to the weight of its batteries or, frankly, military operations where cost and emissions are less of a concern than the ability to effectively help kill people before they kill you (no need to sugarcoat it). In that context, hydrogen might make sense.
Hyundai certainly thinks so, and the concept shown here enhances the capabilities of the company’s existing K2 main battle tank with better acceleration, quieter operation, and radar absorbing materials that, combined with the vehicle’s low heat signature, make it a very formidable machine.
The tank also features, autonomous driving to reduce the threat to human assets, remote drone operation for reconnaissance and support operations, and a 130 millimeter smooth bore gun.
Hyundai plans to begin production of a similar machine in the next decade, with the goal of eventually achieving a fully electrified tank platform by 2040.
Electrek’s Take
Pak Jae-yeol, commander of the 7th Corps, told The Korea Economic Daily that, “if tactical equipment such as tanks and helicopters move without noise and fumes, the army’s power will become stronger.”
It’s hard to argue with that. What I can argue with, however, is Hydrogen Insight’s assertion that, “Battery-electric military vehicles are not considered a practical option because armed forces cannot rely on access to an electricity grid in wartime.”
It’s hard to think of a dumber solution to fuel insecurity than hydrogen — a fuel that is notoriously difficult to refine, store, and transport (safely or otherwise). Especially when off-grid solar and wood-burning solutions for generating heat and electricity are actively being developed by other respected defense contractors like Rolls-Royce and Volvo.
But no one asked me, right? The good news is that I’m asking you whether or not any of that makes sense, so head on down to the comments and tell me how it is.
SOURCE | IMAGES: Hyundai Rotem, via The Korea Herald; Fuel Cell Works, Hydrogen Insight.
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If you haven’t noticed, Genesis is quickly making a name for itself in the US. The luxury automaker now has 60 sales outlets as it expands into new US states. With new EVs launching, Genesis is eyeing a bigger share of the US luxury market.
Hyundai Motor Group’s Genesis brand is quietly emerging as a powerhouse in the US luxury market. Genesis marked its entry into the luxury segment in 2008 as a Hyundai-branded model.
In 2015, Hyundai announced Genesis would become an independent luxury brand. Since launching its first vehicle in the US, the luxury brand’s sales have surged from 7,000 in 2016 to over 69,000 last year. It even outsold Nissan’s Infiniti.
According to Genesis, this is just the start. The Korean luxury brand wants an even bigger slice of the market as it eyes rivals like Porsche.
A big reason behind the brand’s confidence is its new lineup of stylishly electric models. Genesis sells three EVs in the US: The GV60, Electrified G80, and Electrified GV70.
After introducing the Electrified GV70 just last year, the electric SUV is already Genesis’ top-selling EV in the US. According to Kelley Blue Book, Genesis sold 2,343 electric GV70 models in the US through September.
Genesis eyes a bigger share of the US luxury market
Altogether, the luxury brand’s EV sales reached over 4,600 through the first nine months of 2024, topping Porsche (4,291) and Volvo (3,644).
Genesis made a statement at the LA Auto Show, unveiling the updated 2026 Electrified GV70. The luxury electric SUV now includes more range and an NACS port so drivers can charge at Tesla Superchargers. It will go on sale in the first half of 2025.
Meanwhile, Genesis showcased its new GV60 Magma Concept at the event, its first dedicated high-performance EV. The brand sees its Magma performance brand rivaling that of Geman luxury brands like Mercedes AMG, BMW M, and Audi RS.
The Genesis GV60 Magma EV will launch next year, spearheading the brand’s “expansion into the realm of high-performance vehicles.”
Genesis enhanced the battery and motor while fine-tuning the chassis, thermodynamics, and profile for more power and efficiency.
It also features an aggressive new design, sitting much lower and wider than the current GV60 model. Genesis added a Magma-exclusive sound system to give it a sports car-like feel in the cockpit.
In April, we got our first look at the G80 EV Magma concept, which could be a potential challenger to Tesla’s Model S Plaid and the Porsche Taycan GT Turbo.
The luxury brand is expected to launch its flagship electric three-row SUV next year, the GV90. Genesis previewed the ultra-luxury EV in March after unveiling the Neolun concept.
Genesis now has 60 sales bases in the US, with new stores in Washington, Minnesota, New York, and Florida. It’s also building 30 in Canada as it expands its presence in the North American luxury market.
The luxury brand is opening a new dedicated design center in California. The “Genesis Design California” will open in the first half of 2025 as it builds out its US network.
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A rumor spreading like wildfire on social media claims BYD will be taking over NIO (NYSE: NIO) as the EV giant gobbles up market share in China. The rumor was posted by a suspected BYD employee, but NIO is denying the claim.
BYD acquiring NIO would be a massive move as China’s leading EV maker continues to dominate the market. But that’s not going to happen.
According to CnEVPost, NIO’s assistant vice president for branding and communications, Ma Lin, denied the rumors that BYD is taking over the company on Friday.
Ma posted a screenshot on social media asking BYD’s general manager of branding and PR, Li Yunfei if the person who posted the fake rumor was an employee.
Earlier today, the suspected employee claimed BYD and NIO were setting up a joint venture. In a Weibo post, the suspect said BYD would have majority control of the partnership with a 51% share while NIO would get the remaining 49% ownership.
Ma told Li that if it was, in fact, a BYD employee, he needed to issue an official clarification and apologize. If not, they can get the police involved together. Li also denied the rumors, saying the claim was seriously untrue.
NIO denies rumors that BYD is taking over the company
This is not the first time rumors surfaced that BYD will be taking over NIO, but because it is a suspected employee, the post has garnered more attention.
BYD is on a major hiring spree as it ramps up production to meet the higher demand. The EV giant now has over 900,000 employees, making it by far the largest A-share listed company in China.
After selling over 500,000 vehicles for the first time in a single month in October, BYD’s surge is heating up as the EV giant expands overseas for growth.
October was BYD’s fifth consecutive record sales month as it closes in on auto leaders like Ford in global deliveries.
NIO is also gaining momentum, with sales topping the 20,000 mark for the sixth straight month in October. With output of its new lower-priced Onvo L60 electric SUV ramping up, NIO expects to continue seeing higher demand.
Ma said on Friday that NIO’s “recent situation is quite good.” The company’s head of PR added, “Cash flow turned positive in the third quarter, gross profit improved in October, earning an extra RMB 100 million, and Onvo (deliveries) will exceed 10,000 in December.”
NIO is launching its third brand, Firefly, with deliveries kicking off in the first half of 2025. The company expects sales to double next year as it works to become profitable by 2026.
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Hyundai Motors is recalling 145,235 EVs and other “electrified” vehicles in the US, citing concerns about a loss of driving power, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said on Friday.
The NHTSA announced this morning that the recall affects selected IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6 EVs, as well as certain luxury Genesis models, including the GV60, GV70, and G80 electrified variants, from the 2022-2025 model years, Reuters reported.
It looks like the issue stems from “the integrated charging control units in these vehicles, which may become damaged and fail to charge the 12-volt battery. This malfunction could lead to a complete loss of drive power, posing safety risks for drivers,” the NHTSA stated.
If you’re an owner of one of these Hyundai models dating 2022-2025, stay tuned. Hyundai has not yet provided a timeline as to when affected vehicles will be repaired.
To make that happen, the company’s dealers will inspect and replace the charging unit and its fuse if necessary, NHTSA said. Free of charge, of course.
Importantly, no crashes, injuries, fatalities, or fires due to this issue have been reported in the US, Hyundai reported.
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