Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai Motor) showcased its ambitious hydrogen vision and introduced its U.S. clean logistics business at the Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo 2024. The highlight of the event was the company’s Class 8 XCIENT Fuel Cell electric truck, marking a significant step towards sustainable urban transportation.
Hyundai Motor is displaying the XCIENT Fuel Cell truck, its advanced fuel cell system, and digital exhibits showcasing vehicle enhancements and hydrogen value chain technologies from May 20–23 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Building a Hydrogen Society Roadmap
During Hyundai Motor’s press conference, Ken Ramirez, Executive Vice President and Head of Global Commercial Vehicle and Hydrogen Business, emphasized the company’s commitment to building a hydrogen society. He elaborated on Hyundai Motor Group’s comprehensive approach to the hydrogen value chain, from production and storage to logistics and diverse applications.
“Our HTWO brand’s expanding role reflects Hyundai’s unique reach beyond mobility into an integrated hydrogen value chain to lead the global energy transition. We leverage our strengths in both mobility and energy sectors to realize our vision for a hydrogen society,” said Ramirez.
Major U.S. Hydrogen Logistics Projects
Jim Park, Senior Vice President and Head of Commercial Vehicle and Hydrogen Business Development at Hyundai Motor North America, discussed the rollout of the Class 8 XCIENT Fuel Cell trucks in key U.S. projects, including the NorCAL ZERO Project and Clean Logistics Project. Last year, Hyundai deployed 30 XCIENT Fuel Cell trucks at the Ports of Oakland and Richmond, marking the largest commercial deployment of heavy-duty hydrogen fuel cell trucks in North America.
“This landmark port decarbonization initiative in California showcases how hydrogen trucks are paving the way towards sustainable future logistics. By replicating the success of NorCAL ZERO, we aim to create a global network of clean, hydrogen-powered operations,” Park noted.
Clean Logistics Initiatives and HTWO Logistics
Hyundai Motor is working on the Clean Logistics Project in Georgia, aiming to decarbonize logistics at its Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA). Glenn Clift, Executive Director of GLOVIS America, introduced HTWO Logistics, a partnership focused on reducing carbon emissions in transportation around Hyundai’s new manufacturing facility.
“Through HTWO Logistics, we will partner with Hyundai Motor to establish a value chain of clean hydrogen production, supply, refueling, and zero-emission vehicles, creating a hydrogen mobility ecosystem in and around Georgia’s Metaplant,” Clift said.
XCIENT Fuel Cell Truck Enhancements
Hyundai Motor previewed the enhancement concept for its XCIENT Fuel Cell truck, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and touch screen infotainment system with integrated physical buttons. The truck also includes Hyundai’s Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) for enhanced safety and driver convenience.
Additionally, Hyundai is collaborating with autonomous driving leader Plus to test Level 4 autonomous driving technology on the XCIENT Fuel Cell truck, a first for a Class 8 fuel cell electric truck in the U.S. This advanced technology is showcased at Plus’s ACT Expo booth.
Expanding Hydrogen’s Potential
Hyundai Motor’s hydrogen fuel cell technology extends beyond mobility, with applications in stationary power and industrial equipment. The company is pioneering methods to convert organic waste into hydrogen, further demonstrating its commitment to a sustainable hydrogen ecosystem.
ACT Expo Display
The XCIENT Fuel Cell truck, with a 6×4 drive axle configuration, is on display at Hyundai Motor’s booth (#530) alongside a hydrogen fuel cell system. Digital exhibits highlight the HTWO Grid solutions and the truck’s enhancement concept. Hyundai is also offering test drives of the XCIENT Fuel Cell truck at the Expo.
