The HDC-6 Neptune Concept by Hyundai will make you forget the Tesla Semi

It is called the HDC-6 Neptune Concept and it is powered by hydrogen. This Hyundai prototype aims to put the Tesla Semi on the ropes. Will it succeed?

After a preview for a few lucky guests, the manufacturer has unveiled the HDC-6 Neptune Concept by Hyundai at the North American Commercial Vehicle Show in Atlanta.

Created to highlight the fact that Hyundai is “exploring opportunities” in the U.S. commercial vehicle market. The HDC-6 Neptune concept is a class 8 heavy-duty semi truck that runs on hydrogen.

In addition to the eco-friendly powertrain, the concept features an Art Deco design inspired by the streamlined railway trains of the 1930s. In particular, the company highlighted the work of industrial designer Henry Dreyfuss, who created eye-catching trains for the New York Central Railroad.

The concept by Hyundai that will make you forget the Tesla Semi

The front of the semi is dominated by a large windshield that appears to flow into the cab. The vehicle has also been equipped with digital side mirrors that display images in a single frame inside the cab.

The Art Deco design is not just for looks, as the fluted lower section is actually a functional grille. It even incorporates retractable steps that are cleverly hidden and barely noticeable.

Hyundai did not mention the performance specifications, but everything points to a press conference being scheduled for the coming days. However, the company said that “hydrogen fuel cells are ideal for heavy-duty trucks and long-distance driving due to greater driving range, higher payload, less refueling time and, ultimately, lower costs.”

In addition to showing the HDC-6 Neptune, Hyundai also presented its Nitro ThermoTech trailer. Developed in collaboration with Air Liquide, the ThermoTech is a refrigerated trailer that uses a cryogenic nitrogen refrigeration system.

While that doesn’t sound very exciting, the company said the trailer cools down faster than a traditional refrigeration unit and is virtually silent. The trailer is also more eco-friendly and features “sandwich-type structural foam panels” covered by layers of fiber-reinforced polymer. Hyundai has stated that the design increases wall strength and thermal efficiency while reducing weight.

SangYup Lee, head of the Hyundai Design Center, has said that “the HDC-6 Neptune, the concept for the next-generation fuel cell electric truck, embodies Hyundai’s vision of mobility for a global hydrogen society, innovatively developed by applying the creativity of Hyundai’s designers and the company’s advanced technology. To maximize the potential of next-generation fuel cell electric vehicles, the HDC-6 Neptune offers a futuristic and innovative architecture. Specifically, with this vehicle one can understand Hyundai’s novel approach to interior design and grasp the idea of lifestyle-oriented mobility.”