Hyundai Motor Group has launched a new research facility dedicated to battery and electrification technologies at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi. The Hyundai Center of Excellence (Hyundai CoE) will focus on developing advanced mobility solutions, particularly battery systems suited to the Indian market. The collaboration has kicked off with nine joint research projects exploring key areas such as battery cells, management systems, energy density, safety, durability, and diagnostics, alongside studies on new materials and system components.
Chang Hwan Kim, Executive Vice President at Hyundai Motor Group, and Professor Bijaya Ketan Panigrahi from IIT Delhi will jointly oversee the center. The opening ceremony was attended by senior Hyundai officials and representatives from IIT Delhi, Bombay, and Madras.
This collaboration represents Hyundai’s first academic-industrial partnership in a growing economy. The Group plans to expand its research network in India, aiming to collaborate with 10 universities and 100 professors by 2025.
The Hyundai CoE is part of a broader Future Technology Research Program launched by Hyundai in 2021. This program invites academic institutions to propose research topics, which are then evaluated and supported by the company. Initially focused on domestic and Korean researchers, the program has now expanded to include international faculty, starting with IITs.
Additional initiatives under the collaboration include technology exchange forums, global EV technology conferences, and policy discussions with Indian government and industry stakeholders. These activities aim to strengthen Hyundai’s research capabilities in India and support the development of sustainable mobility solutions.
The Hyundai initiative aligns with India’s increasing emphasis on electric vehicle (EV) adoption and clean transportation solutions. As one of the largest automotive markets globally, India is accelerating its EV transition through policy incentives and efforts to localize production. Partnerships with leading institutions like IITs help Hyundai bolster its R&D efforts while contributing to India’s innovation ecosystem. The focus on battery technology is particularly significant as India works to reduce its reliance on imports and build a strong domestic battery supply chain.
