Hyundai XCIENT Fuel Cell, the first hydrogen fuel cell truck is already a reality

While battery electric mobility is a reality in many markets, fuel cell technology powered by hydrogen is starting to make its mark in the automotive industry. There are not many models that use this type of clean mobility, but some brands are continuously working on it. Hyundai presented the ix35 Fuel Cell in 2013, the first model of this kind mass-produced worldwide.

Now it takes a step further and begins marketing the Hyundai XCIENT Fuel Cell truck, the first heavy-duty transport that uses hydrogen as its energy source. The truck is already in service in Europe and will soon begin commercialization in the US and Chinese markets. With this model, Hyundai demonstrates that a vehicle of this kind can be practical and functional while also being very environmentally friendly.

Range and environmental respect

The range of the Hyundai XCIENT Fuel Cell is ensured by seven fuel tanks that can hold up to 32.09 kg of hydrogen, which feed two 95 kW fuel cells, generating an output of 190 kW, equivalent to 255 CV. With full tanks, the fuel cell truck can reach a range of 400 kilometers.

The great advantage of fuel cell vehicles is their refueling time, which is significantly shorter than charging a battery electric vehicle. In this case, the tanks are filled with hydrogen in a time window ranging from 8 to 20 minutes.

This model has been commercially successful enough that Hyundai is considering a second generation of the vehicle, this time on a platform created specifically for this type of vehicle. A base designed to house the fuel cell unit and the electric motors to create a truck built to fulfill its purpose while keeping the environmental impact as low as possible.

The new generation will offer the possibility of manufacturing 4×2 and 6×2 cargo trucks and 4×2 tractors, capable of towing up to 44 t with ease, with room for two 200 kW fuel cell systems and a range of up to 1,000 kilometers. In addition to developing these hydrogen-powered trucks, Hyundai is also developing the HTWO line, aimed at advancing hydrogen fuel cell systems and applying this technology to the automotive, aeronautical and marine sectors, so interesting advances in transport could be achieved in a very short time.

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