Hyundai Mobis is a Tier 1 global supplier in auto parts and smart mobility solutions, aspiring to develop eco-friendly and innovative materials to satisfy not only future environmental regulations but also for improving the performance of electric vehicles. With a focus on sustainability, material innovation, and digital technologies, Hyundai Mobis is working to stay competitive among the leading pioneers in the automotive industry toward greener and smarter mobility solutions. This ongoing R&D work helps the Company tackle 2030’s strict global regulations and competitiveness in this rapidly developing market.
Development of Sustainable Materials for 2030
Hyundai Mobis has developed eco-friendly materials that meet international environmental standards well in advance of the 2030 deadline. Key developments involve plastic recycling and the use of bio-based materials with minimum environmental harm in vehicle production. Recycled plastics are obtained from wastes collected from households and at the end of life from vehicles, which are further refined by adding additives to produce high-quality components suitable for new vehicles.
One of the various achievements has been developing the vehicle underbody cover made from 50% recycled plastic. The new material retains properties similar to conventional materials while greatly reducing the environmental footprint. Hyundai Mobis has already complied with the European Union’s regulation, which dictates that starting in 2030, plastics in new cars should contain 25% recycled content, six years ahead of reaching this goal and with double the content of recycled material.
Hyundai Mobis is also developing over 30 new materials, including recycled plastics for the most plastic-consuming components of a vehicle, such as cockpit modules, lamps, and airbags. The company is considering bio-materials too, including wood-based materials. This would not only reduce carbon emissions but also increase the heat and UV resistance in parts of the vehicle.
New Innovative Materials to Reduce Rare Metal Dependency
With the electrification of automobiles, Hyundai Mobis tries to minimize the use of such rare and expensive metals as nickel in its electric vehicle components. Therefore, the company has developed a new inductor material for minimizing nickel content from 50% down to approximately 30%, without much raw material price fluctuation or deterioration of necessary electromagnetic properties. This will not only contribute to cost management but also address global trade tensions and fluctuations in the raw materials market.
Hyundai Mobis is also one of the global leaders in developing fully nickel-free materials-the only one in the world that might make electric vehicles even more nickel-intensive-with the following innovation: The company is conducting further research on materials for other electrification technologies, including high-speed charging battery cooling systems, electromagnetic shielding, and advanced coatings for autonomous driving sensors. Innovations that help gear up the performance and ecological footprints of next-generation electric and autonomous vehicles.
Embracing digital material technologies
Hyundai Mobis is developing several digital technologies, like AI and simulation tools, to fast-track the material development process. Material properties or component alignment simulated on digital platforms will save much R&D time, which otherwise would be longer and improve the time-to-market for new materials. AI will also help review the already existing data for possible new materials; hence, the material development work in this context will be more technology-oriented and data-driven.
Hyundai Mobis has invested a lot in building a sound digital infrastructure for materials development. The more than 100 R&D engineers in material development are part of an organization that is continuing its development while preparing for both the present and future needs. With the substantial strengthening of digital materials development, it hires experts from all fields and is becoming one of the most leading companies in material innovation in the automotive industry.
Preparing for a Sustainable and Competitive Future: The comprehensive approach to material development at Hyundai Mobis is intended to face twin challenges-the security of future environmental regulations, coupled with competition in rapidly changing markets. By developing sustainable, innovative materials that are digitally enhanced, the company will be prepared to guide the transformation of the automotive industry into greener and more efficient mobility solutions.
As it develops material technology, Hyundai Mobis will play a crucial role in determining what mobility will look like in the future, while the demand for electric and autonomous vehicles is rising around the world. The company’s efforts coincide with international goals on sustainability and provide a strategic edge in the Company’s effort to overcome various complexities that surround the global materials market.
Source: Hyundai Mobis