Hyundai Motor Group Inaugurates Battery and EV Research Centre at IIT Delhi

Hyundai Motor Group has officially inaugurated the Hyundai Center of Excellence (Hyundai CoE) for future mobility technology at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi. This landmark initiative marks a significant step in the company's efforts to deepen academic-industrial collaboration in India.

Focus on Battery Innovation and Electrification

The Hyundai CoE will lead advanced research in key domains such as battery cell development, battery management systems (BMS), testing systems, safety, durability, energy density enhancement, and diagnostic technologies. This focus on next-gen battery systems positions Hyundai to better address the challenges of future mobility.

Ongoing Collaborative Research Projects

Currently, nine joint research projects are underway under the new collaboration. These projects are focused on breakthrough developments in battery design, material innovation, and component systems. The aim is to redefine battery performance standards for electric vehicles through pioneering academic research.

Leadership and Oversight

The Hyundai CoE will be jointly guided by Chang Hwan Kim, Executive Vice President and Head of the Electrification Energy Solutions Tech Unit at Hyundai Motor Group, and Prof. Bijaya Ketan Panigrahi from IIT Delhi. Their leadership ensures a strong bridge between industry goals and academic expertise.

Statements from Key Leaders

Heuiwon Yang, President and Head of R&D Division at Hyundai Motor Group, highlighted the importance of the partnership: "We're excited to work with India's brightest minds in battery innovation. Collaborating with top-tier researchers and IIT professors will enable us to develop technologies that are both locally relevant and globally competitive."

Launch Ceremony and Stakeholder Participation

The launch event in New Delhi was attended by top representatives from both Hyundai and India’s academic sector. Unsoo Kim, Managing Director of Hyundai Motor India Limited, along with leaders from IIT Delhi, IIT Madras, and IIT Bombay were present. Their presence reinforced the significance of this academic-industrial alliance.

First-of-Its-Kind Collaboration in a Growth Economy

The Hyundai CoE at IIT Delhi is Hyundai's first such academic partnership in a growing economy, establishing a blueprint for similar innovation hubs. It complements the company's broader Future Technology Research Program, launched in 2021, which now allows Indian professors to independently propose and lead research projects.

Expanding Nationwide Academic Engagement

Hyundai currently collaborates with three IITs—Delhi, Bombay, and Madras—involving around 30 professors. By 2025, the company aims to extend its network to 10 Indian universities and approximately 100 professors, including non-IIT institutions, showcasing its commitment to inclusive academic development.

Strengthening the Ecosystem Through Forums and Conferences

To deepen these partnerships, Hyundai plans to host technology exchange forums uniting Korean and Indian experts. Global conferences centered around battery and EV technologies and policy dialogues with industry and government stakeholders are also planned. These initiatives aim to foster innovation, knowledge-sharing, and impactful policymaking.

Conclusion: Paving the Way for Sustainable Mobility

Through the Hyundai CoE, Hyundai Motor Group is not only investing in future technologies but also nurturing a robust R&D ecosystem in India. By bridging the gap between academia and industry, the initiative sets the stage for India to emerge as a key player in global EV innovation.