Hyundai Motor Company unveiled its vision for the North American commercial vehicle business with a focus on eco-friendly solutions.
The company showcased the mass-produced model of the Xcient Fuel Cell Truck Tractor at the Clean Transportation Expo A in Anaheim, California. The Xcient fuel cell truck tractor is a heavy-duty truck designed for long-distance travel, equipped with a 180kW hydrogen fuel cell system and a 350kW drive motor. It can travel more than 1,000 km on a single charge while carrying a full load.
Hyundai aims to build a “hydrogen value chain” that encompasses hydrogen supply, leasing and financing, fleet operation, maintenance, and services. The company plans to cooperate with competitive local partners, such as Hyundai Glovis, Macquarie, FEF, and Pape, to maximize synergies. It will also use its new factory dedicated to electric vehicles in Georgia as a testbed to upgrade the eco-friendly commercial vehicle business in North America.
Ken Ramirez, Vice President of Hyundai Motor Company’s Global Commercial and Hydrogen Fuel Cell Business, said, “We will build a hydrogen ecosystem from hydrogen production to storage and transportation by widely applying fuel cell technology not only to commercial vehicles but also to marine ships and air mobility.”
The development of hydrogen fuel cell trucks could revolutionize the transportation industry, particularly in the United States, which has vast distances to cover. By switching from diesel trucks to hydrogen fuel cell trucks, the transportation industry can significantly reduce carbon emissions and promote a cleaner environment. The long-distance capability of the Xcient fuel cell truck tractor makes it an attractive option for companies that operate fleets of trucks. Additionally, the availability of integrated hydrogen mobility solutions optimized for each business could help facilitate the adoption of hydrogen fuel cell technology in the commercial vehicle industry.
