Hyundai Motor Company unveiled its ambitious hydrogen vision and introduced its U.S. clean logistics initiatives at the Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo 2024. The highlight was the debut of the Class 8 XCIENT Fuel Cell electric truck, showcased from May 20-23 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Building a Hydrogen Society Roadmap
At a press conference, Ken Ramirez, Executive Vice President and Head of Global Commercial Vehicle and Hydrogen Business at Hyundai Motor, emphasized the company’s commitment to a hydrogen society. Ramirez outlined Hyundai Motor Group’s comprehensive approach, leveraging cross-industry capabilities for hydrogen production, storage, logistics, and transport to achieve this vision.
Earlier this year, Hyundai announced an expanded role for its HTWO brand in the hydrogen value chain, positioning it as a catalyst for global energy transition. Hyundai’s strategy integrates the group’s extensive capabilities across various industries to advance a hydrogen society.
Expanding Hydrogen Logistics in the U.S.
Jim Park, Senior Vice President and Head of Commercial Vehicle and Hydrogen Business Development at Hyundai Motor North America, detailed the rollout of Class 8 XCIENT Fuel Cell electric trucks in key U.S. projects, including the NorCAL ZERO Project and the Clean Logistics Project. Last year, Hyundai deployed 30 XCIENT trucks at the Ports of Oakland and Richmond, marking the largest commercial deployment of hydrogen fuel cell trucks in North America. In Georgia, Hyundai is working to decarbonize its Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) through the Clean Logistics Project.
HTWO Logistics Partnership
Glenn Clift, Executive Director of GLOVIS America, joined the press conference to introduce HTWO Logistics, a partnership aimed at sustainable logistics solutions at HMGMA. This collaboration will utilize HTWO solutions to maximize carbon emissions reduction, with plans to replicate the model globally, enhancing Hyundai’s HTWO business.
Enhanced XCIENT Fuel Cell Truck
Hyundai digitally showcased the enhancement concept of its XCIENT Fuel Cell truck, featuring a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Departure Warning, and Smart Cruise Control.
Hyundai also announced a collaboration with autonomous driving leader Plus to test Level 4 autonomous driving technology on the XCIENT Fuel Cell truck in the U.S., a first for a Class 8 fuel cell electric truck. The truck equipped with Plus SuperDrive technology is on display at Plus’s ACT Expo booth (#2044).
Hydrogen’s Potential in the Commercial Vehicle Sector
Hydrogen, a clean and sustainable energy carrier, is ideal for commercial vehicles due to its high-density energy and suitability for long-haul driving and heavy loads. Hyundai’s XCIENT Fuel Cell truck, powered by a proven fuel cell system, leads the FCEV market with units in operation worldwide.
Pioneering Hydrogen Production
Hyundai Motor Group has developed innovative methods for converting organic waste into hydrogen, with pilot projects in Chungju, South Korea. These projects produce hydrogen from biogas extracted from food waste and sewage sludge, supplying on-site hydrogen refueling stations. The group is also exploring a hydrogen energy business model integrating production, plastic-to-hydrogen technology, carbon capture, and storage.
XCIENT Fuel Cell Truck at ACT Expo 2024
The XCIENT Fuel Cell truck with a 6×4 drive axle is on display at Hyundai’s booth (#530), along with a hydrogen fuel cell system and digital exhibits of HTWO Grid solutions. Hyundai is also offering a test drive program for the XCIENT Fuel Cell truck at the Expo (May 21-22).
Hyundai Motor’s drive towards a hydrogen society and sustainable logistics marks a significant step forward in the global energy transition, setting new standards for the future of clean transportation.
