In a new development, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Hyundai Motor Group, and Aramco have agreed to jointly develop and test an advanced fuel for a spark-ignition, ultra-lean burn engine that will lower the overall CO2 emissions of a vehicle.
The partnership, inked for a period of two years aims to develop an optimum fuel formulation that will be used in a hybrid electric vehicle with a novel combustion system.
The joint research team will aim to achieve greater CO2 emission reduction by utilizing Hyundai Motor Group’s ultra-lean burn combustion design in a hybrid electric vehicle.
Each party brings their own unique expertise to the project. Aramco, experienced in formulating fuel coupled with intense research and development, will be responsible for designing an optimum fuel formulation. Hyundai brings to the table automotive technology leadership, and will produce a cutting-edge ultra-lean combustion engine for the project. All the tests for the engine will be carried out at the Clean Combustion Research Center at KAUST.
Aramco’s Chief Technology Officer, Ahmad O. Al-Khowaiter stated that the challenge lies in making optimum fuels for exceptional combustion systems. He said that the team from Aramco would provide Hyundai Motor Group with an optimum fuel formulation, to be used with the ultra-lean combustion engine, which in turn could lead to the application of synthetic e-fuels. He additionally said that the project would push the boundaries, and that the company is excited to be a part of it.
Executive Vice President of Hyundai Motor Group, Alain Raposo said that BEVs and FCEVs would be the ultimate technologies for Hyundai Motor Group to achieve carbon neutral mobility. He also said that ICE technology that combines eco friendly fuel with ultra-lean burn engines would effectively reduce emissions during the transition to Electric Vehicles.
Professor Donald Bradley, VP of research at KAUST said that he looked forward to working with Hyundai Motor Group and Aramco, since they would create less polluting and more efficient transport solutions. He added that the Clean Combustion Research Center has an excellent track-record in the development and optimization of eco friendly fuels.
Aramco is also aiming at partnerships with leading automobile manufacturers around the world through its research centers in Dhahran, Detroit, Paris and Shanghai.
About Aramco
Aramco is a leading producer of energy and chemicals that drive global commerce and enrich the lives of people around the world by continuing to deliver uninterrupted energy to the world at large. The resiliency and agility of the company has made it one of the worlds largest integrated chemical and energy companies. Aramco is committed to the global effort of achieving a low carbon economy.
About Hyundai
Hyundai Motor Group has achieved sustainable growth by inheriting and practicing its unique values and spirit since its inception. The core values and vision maintained by Hyundai Motor Group are organically connected to form a collective management strategy which is the center of gravity for all members of the company. Hyundai Motor Group is rewriting history as a partner contributing to mankind and future society.
About KAUST
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) advances science and technology through distinctive and collaborative research integrated with graduate education. Located on the Red Sea coast in Saudi Arabia, KAUST conducts curiosity-driven and goal-oriented research to address global challenges related to food, water, energy, and the environment.
Established in 2009, KAUST is a catalyst for innovation, economic development and social prosperity in Saudi Arabia and the world. The University currently educates and trains master’s and doctoral students, supported by an academic community of faculty members, postdoctoral fellows and research scientists.
With over 100 nationalities working and living at KAUST, the University brings together people and ideas from all over the world.
