Hyundai Motor Company has taken a significant step towards sustainable logistics in the United States by unveiling its first Level 4 autonomous Class 8 hydrogen fuel cell electric truck at the Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo. The XCIENT Fuel Cell truck, is equipped with Plus’s SuperDrive Level 4 autonomous driving technology, showcasing the potential for safer, more efficient, and sustainable trucking.
XCIENT Fuel Cell Truck: A Proven Solution
The XCIENT Fuel Cell truck, initially launched in 2020, has already demonstrated its reliability in commercial operations across eight countries.
The truck features dual 90kW hydrogen fuel cell systems and a 350kW e-motor, which can travel over 450 miles per charge with a full load.
Plus’s SuperDrive technology integrates advanced sensors like LiDAR, radar, and cameras, providing comprehensive perception, planning, prediction, and autonomous driving capabilities.
Hyundai Motor’s XCIENT Fuel Cell truck, which uses its field-proven fuel cell system, is already a game changer and dominates the FCEV market. Units operate worldwide, including in Europe, South Korea, and North America.
Hyundai's Broader Hydrogen Vision
Hyundai’s commitment to hydrogen technology extends beyond trucks. At CES 2024, which was held in January, Hyundai presented its vision for a hydrogen-powered, software-driven transformation beyond mobility applications.
The company aims to create a hydrogen energy ecosystem that provides freedom, safety, and fairness for the global community. Hyundai’s hydrogen solutions include passenger cars, trucks, buses, trams, special equipment, vessels, power generators, and advanced air mobility.
HTWO: Expanding the Hydrogen Value Chain
Hyundai’s HTWO brand, a key pillar of the company’s hydrogen strategy, encompasses the entire clean hydrogen value chain from production and storage to transportation and utilization.
The comprehensive approach ensures that every aspect of hydrogen’s journey is optimized for efficiency and sustainability. The company has also announced plans to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, with hydrogen energy playing a prominent role in this objective.
U.S. Initiatives and Partnerships
In the U.S., Hyundai has deployed 30 Class 8 XCIENT Fuel Cell trucks at the Ports of Oakland and Richmond as part of the NorCAL ZERO Project, marking the largest deployment of such trucks in North America.
Additionally, Hyundai has introduced HTWO Logistics, a partnership with GLOVIS America focused on zero-emission transportation in Georgia.
Leading the Transition to Hydrogen
Hyundai’s participation in the ACT Expo and its strategic initiatives demonstrate its leadership in promoting hydrogen as a viable, sustainable energy source.
By leveraging its extensive capabilities and forging strategic partnerships, Hyundai is driving the transition toward a cleaner, hydrogen-powered future in logistics.
Hyundai’s efforts are not isolated but are aligned with broader national and international initiatives to accelerate clean hydrogen production, processing, delivery, storage, and use.
The U.S. National Clean Hydrogen Strategy and Roadmap and initiatives launched at COP28 underscore the global momentum towards hydrogen commercialization and the transition from fossil fuels.
Hyundai’s active participation in these initiatives further solidifies its position as a leader in the hydrogen transition. By integrating advanced hydrogen and autonomous driving technologies, Hyundai sets a new standard for sustainable logistics and contributes to a cleaner, more efficient future.
