Hyundai Markets First Hydrogen Truck in Europe

Paul Myles

TU-Editor

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6th July 2020

Hyundai has shipped ten models of the world’s first mass-produced hydrogen fuel-cell powered heavy-haulage truck to the European market.

The Hyundai Xcient fuel cell trucks are the first of 50 models to be sold in Switzerland this year, with handover to commercial fleet customers starting in September. The automaker plans to roll out a total of 1,600 Xcient fuel cell trucks by 2025 as part of its strategy around its environmental commitment as it works toward reducing carbon emissions through zero-emission solutions.

The Xcient is powered by a 190-kW hydrogen fuel cell system with dual 95-kW fuel cell stacks. Seven large hydrogen tanks offer a combined storage capacity of around 32.09 kg of hydrogen. The driving range for truck is a claimed 250 miles on a single refueling. This was developed to find an optimal balance between the specific requirements from the potential commercial fleet customers and the charging infrastructure in Switzerland. Refueling time for each truck takes approximately 8-20 minutes.

The automaker suggests fuel cell technology is particularly well-suited to commercial shipping and logistics owing to long ranges and short refueling times. The dual-mounted fuel cell system provides enough energy to drive the heavy-duty trucks up and down the mountainous terrain in the region. In addition to Xcient, Hyundai is developing a long-distance tractor unit claiming the ability to travel 620 miles on a single fueling. It will be equipped with an enhanced fuel cell system with high durability and power, aimed at global markets including North America and Europe.

Cheol Lee, executive vice-president and head of commercial vehicle division at Hyundai, said: “Xcient Fuel Cell is a present-day reality, not as a mere future drawing board project. By putting this ground-breaking vehicle on the road now, Hyundai marks a significant milestone in the history of commercial vehicles and the development of hydrogen society. Building a comprehensive hydrogen ecosystem, where critical transportation needs are met by vehicles like Xcient Fuel Cell, will lead to a paradigm shift that removes automobile emissions from the environmental equation.”

— Paul Myles is a seasoned automotive journalist based in London. Follow him on Twitter @Paulmyles_