Hyundai Motor Company unveiled its ambitious hydrogen strategy and introduced its clean logistics initiative in the United States, featuring its cutting-edge Class 8 XCIENT Fuel Cell electric truck, at the Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo 2024.
During the event at the Las Vegas Convention Center from May 20–23, Hyundai showcased the XCIENT Fuel Cell truck and its fuel cell system alongside digital presentations highlighting vehicle advancements and hydrogen value chain technologies.
Emphasizing its commitment to building a hydrogen-powered society, Ken Ramirez, Executive Vice President and Head of Global Commercial Vehicle and Hydrogen Business at Hyundai Motor, underscored the company’s holistic approach to the hydrogen economy. Leveraging the diverse capabilities of Hyundai Motor Group affiliates across industries, from hydrogen production to logistics and transportation, Hyundai aims to realize its vision for a hydrogen society.
Jim Park, Senior Vice President and Head of Commercial Vehicle and Hydrogen Business Development at Hyundai Motor North America, detailed the company’s efforts in deploying XCIENT Fuel Cell electric trucks in key U.S. hydrogen logistics projects, such as the NorCAL ZERO Project and Clean Logistics Project. These initiatives, including the deployment of 30 XCIENT Fuel Cell trucks at the Port of Oakland and Port of Richmond, represent significant strides towards sustainable logistics and decarbonization.
Hyundai Motor is actively working to reduce emissions from its internal logistics operations through initiatives like the Clean Logistics Project, deploying XCIENT Fuel Cell trucks at its facility in Georgia. This deployment marks a crucial step in Hyundai Motor’s commitment to cleaner transportation solutions.
Glenn Clift, Executive Director of GLOVIS America, introduced HTWO Logistics, a partnership aimed at implementing sustainable logistics solutions around Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) in Georgia. Through HTWO Logistics, Hyundai Motor and GLOVIS America plan to establish a clean hydrogen value chain, contributing to a hydrogen mobility ecosystem in the region.
Hyundai Motor also previewed enhancements to the XCIENT Fuel Cell truck, including advanced digital instrument clusters, infotainment systems, and driver-assistance technologies aimed at improving safety and efficiency.
Furthermore, Hyundai Motor announced its collaboration with autonomous driving industry leader Plus to test Level 4 autonomous driving technology on the XCIENT Fuel Cell truck, marking a significant advancement in autonomous freight transportation.
Hyundai Motor’s hydrogen strategy extends beyond transportation, encompassing applications in stationary power, industrial equipment, and soon, electrolyzers. Through its HTWO brand, Hyundai Motor Group aims to integrate its capabilities across industries to offer comprehensive solutions across the entire hydrogen value chain.
The company also highlighted its efforts in upstream hydrogen production, including innovative methods for converting organic waste into hydrogen, as part of its pilot projects in South Korea.
Visitors to the ACT Expo 2024 had the opportunity to view the XCIENT Fuel Cell truck and hydrogen fuel cell system at Hyundai Motor’s booth, along with digital exhibits showcasing the company’s HTWO Grid solutions and the enhancement concept of the XCIENT Fuel Cell truck. Additionally, Hyundai Motor operated an XCIENT Fuel Cell truck test drive program during the expo.
