13th February 2025—KGM has officially announced a technical cooperation agreement with PHINIA Delphi France SAS, marking a pivotal step toward pioneering hydrogen engine technology. Signed last month at KGM’s R+D center in Pyeongtaek, the collaboration unites two industry powerhouses: KGM, renowned for its internal combustion engine (ICE) expertise, and PHINIA, a global leader in hydrogen and diesel engine components.
A Shared Vision for Low-Carbon Technology
The partnership emerges at a critical juncture in sustainable mobility, aligning with South Korea’s MOTIE national project—an ambitious government-led initiative under the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy. The aim is to develop low-carbon technologies that significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and accelerate the shift to a carbon-neutral economy. Under this framework, KGM’s new hydrogen engine project promises a 2-litre diesel-based powertrain engineered to meet stringent NOx emissions regulations and deliver a driving range of over 500 km, making it viable for both commercial and consumer applications.
Combining Expertise in Powertrain Innovation
PHINIA brings to the table its extensive experience in Engine Management Systems (EMS), injectors, and pumps, while KGM will leverage its own proprietary diesel engine technology to integrate PHINIA’s Fuel Injection Equipment (FIE) system and ECU technology. This fusion of competencies ensures a faster, more reliable development cycle and lays the foundation for a truly advanced hydrogen engine.
Roadmap to a Multi-Purpose Hydrogen Engine
The joint development roadmap comprises three key phases:
- Designing a Multi-Purpose Engine and Vehicle
KGM and PHINIA will focus on creating a versatile hydrogen engine that caters to various applications, from industrial machinery to on-road vehicles. - Performance Development
The next phase targets rigorous testing and refinement to ensure optimal power output, fuel efficiency, and NOx emissions compliance under real-world conditions. - Base Design for an Extended Range Electric Vehicle (EREV)
Building on the initial design, the teams will explore new frontiers in hybrid and electric vehicle technologies—further expanding the potential applications of hydrogen-powered engines.
Charting the Future of Pickups and Beyond
KGM has underscored the importance of hydrogen as an alternative fuel—particularly for the pickup market, where demand for robust yet eco-friendly vehicles is on the rise. By merging its ICE heritage with next-generation hydrogen systems, the company aims to open new frontiers in sustainable mobility while maintaining the durability and power output customers expect from traditional diesel engines.
“Eco-friendly hydrogen engines are a crucial next-generation powertrain technology. The hydrogen engine developed through this collaboration will be applicable not only to vehicles but also to construction and industrial machinery. Leveraging KGM’s unique ICE expertise, we aim to pioneer the alternative fuel market and expand the eco-friendly pickup segment, targeting niche opportunities in the ICE market,”
—KGM Representative
Expanding the Green Portfolio
In addition to hydrogen-focused endeavors, KGM has confirmed that it will roll out plug-in hybrid technologies across its current vehicle lineup throughout 2025. This move complements the broader sustainability vision by offering a spectrum of lower-emission powertrain options.
Driving the Transition to Carbon-Neutral Mobility
As global markets increasingly emphasize climate objectives, collaborations like KGM and PHINIA’s set the stage for substantive change in the automotive and industrial sectors. By capitalizing on each other’s strengths—KGM’s ICE legacy and PHINIA’s leading-edge component solutions—this alliance represents a crucial leap toward cleaner, more efficient powertrains.
From transforming commercial fleets to energizing the pickup market, KGM’s upcoming hydrogen engine stands poised to redefine industry benchmarks and pave the way for a carbon-reduced future—one groundbreaking innovation at a time.
