Hyundai Rotem displayed a model of its H2 WAVe at ADEX 2025, showing the vehicle’s hydrogen fuel cell elements. (Janes/Sunil Nair)
Hyundai Rotem has highlighted the progress it has made developing hydrogen fuel cell technology for military vehicles.
At the Seoul International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition (ADEX) 2025, which runs from 17 to 24 October, the company displayed two models of vehicles it is developing that are powered by such technology.
These comprise the company’s H2 WAVe, which stands for hydrogen wheeled armoured vehicle electric, and a modular unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) named the Black versatile electric land (VEIL) platform.
H2 WAVe
The H2 WAVe is based on the chassis of Hyundai Rotem’s K808 8×8 wheeled armoured fighting vehicle, which is operated by the Republic of Korea Army (RoKA).
The vehicle has a hydrogen fuel cell system integrated to a thermal management system and a motor/multistage gear reducer at the front.
The right side of the vehicle features a solid-state hydrogen generation system with eight reactors in linear alignment, which together generate 8 kg of hydrogen power through a chemical reaction using sodium borohydride, water, and a formic acid catalyst.
At the rear of the vehicle, a compressed hydrogen storage system is fitted, consisting of two seven litre composite cylinders pressurised to 700 bar.
The hydrogen fuel cell supplies electrical power to the motor rated at 350 kW, which is primarily used for vehicle propulsion. A 42 kWh lithium-ion battery pack is fitted to the H2 WAVe’s floor to power its remotely operated weapons and other mission systems.
Hyundai Rotem also displayed a model of the H2 WAVe’s distributed electric drive configuration, which features one electric drive unit (EDU) per axle.
Looking to read the full article?
Gain unlimited access to Janes news and more…
