The Hyundai XCIENT Fuel Cell electric heavy-duty truck has reached a remarkable milestone, surpassing a cumulative driving distance of 10 million kilometers (6.2+ million miles) in Swiss fleet operations.
This achievement, accomplished in just three years and eight months since its launch in October 2020, demonstrates the long-term reliability of world-class hydrogen fuel cell technology.
Environmental Benefits and Carbon Reduction
This achievement signifies more than just reliability; it’s a step towards a greener future. The reduced carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from these hydrogen trucks are equivalent to the amount of carbon absorbed annually by an estimated 700,000 pine trees. In comparison, a fleet of standard diesel trucks would emit approximately 6,200 tons of CO2 over the same distance.
Green Hydrogen Powering Swiss Fleet
Switzerland currently operates 48 Hyundai XCIENT trucks, each powered by two 90-kilowatt (kW) fuel cell systems with a combined power of 180 kW and a 350-kW e-motor. These trucks boast a maximum range of over 400 kilometers (248.5 miles) on a single charge.
Notably, all XCIENT trucks in Switzerland run exclusively on green hydrogen, meaning no carbon emissions are produced during either the hydrogen production or truck operation, contributing to an eco-friendly hydrogen value chain in Europe.
Data-Driven Advancements in Hydrogen Technology
This milestone enables Hyundai to analyze valuable data from the trucks, including mileage, hydrogen consumption, and fuel cell stack performance. This analysis will drive further improvements in Hyundai’s hydrogen fuel cell technology, potentially expanding its application to various other vehicle types.
Beyond supplying XCIENT trucks, Hyundai is actively involved in developing a commercial hydrogen ecosystem. This ecosystem encompasses the entire value chain, from hydrogen production and charging infrastructure to consumption.
The XCIENT truck has already been deployed in 10 countries, including South Korea, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Israel, UAE, Saudi Arabia, New Zealand, and the U.S.