Hyundai Motor Group and SK Enmove have recently entered into a strategic business collaboration to jointly develop next-generation vehicle refrigerants.
The signing ceremony for the "Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the Development of next-generation refrigerants" took place on January 25 at the SK Building in Jongno-gu, Seoul. In attendance were Yang Hee-won, President of Hyundai Motor Company, and Kim Wone-kee, CEO of SK Enmove.
In this collaborative effort, SK Enmove will take charge of developing the refrigerants, while Hyundai Motor Group will focus on creating the vehicle thermal management system incorporating these advanced refrigerants. This partnership is noteworthy as it signifies domestic companies working together to enter the competitive vehicle refrigerant market, traditionally dominated by global corporations.
The primary objective of the collaboration is to design refrigerants suitable for use in air conditioning and heating systems for electric vehicles (EVs). Unlike internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, EVs lack waste heat from engines for heating, necessitating specialized refrigerants capable of handling both air conditioning and heating functions.
External research institutions anticipate that the joint development by Hyundai Motor Group and SK Enmove will lead to a more than 30% improvement in heating performance compared to existing refrigerants. Moreover, the companies plan to adapt this next-generation vehicle refrigerant for use in ICE vehicles as well.
By combining their expertise in thermal management and HVAC systems with the new vehicle refrigerant, Hyundai Motor Group aims to increase the driving range of EVs during winter, enhancing overall consumer utility.
SK Enmove, drawing on its decade-long experience in research and development (R&D) of thermal management technologies, including EV lubricants and immersion cooling fluids, is well-positioned to lead the development of next-generation refrigerants. The company plans to leverage its global production and sales network, established through the export of its high-quality lubricant brand ZIC to over 60 countries, to secure global customers.
Both companies are committed to developing products and systems that comply with strengthened global greenhouse gas emission regulations. Anticipating upcoming regulations in the European Union (EU) regarding perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), they are actively working on products that do not fall under PFAS regulations. Additionally, the companies are planning solutions for the recovery and recycling of used refrigerants.
Kim Wone-kee, CEO of SK Enmove, said, “We are going full steam ahead, with full commitment to the next-generation refrigerant business, announced last year at the ZIC Brand Day,” and added, “Through this cooperation, we aim to contribute to the vitalization of the thermal management market and strengthen SK Enmove’s capabilities in this area. As a result, our position as an Energy Saving Company can be solidified.”
