Hyundai Xcient Fuel Cell Heavy-Duty Trucks Taking To The Road In Germany

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Hyundai has officially entered the German commercial vehicle market with its environmentally friendly Xcient Fuel Cell heavy-duty truck. (Photo courtesy of Hyundai.)

Twenty-seven new Hyundai Xcient Fuel Cell heavy-duty trucks will go to work for seven German companies in the logistics, manufacturing, and retail sectors using funding from the nation’s Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV). Germany has the largest commercial vehicle market in Europe.

The only emission from the hydrogen-electric Xcient is pure water, and its hydrogen fuel source is sustainable. The Xcient has a maximum driving range of approximately 400 kilometres (250 miles). In Switzerland, 47 Xcient Fuel Cell trucks have driven more than 4 million kilometres as of July 2022.

“We are glad to now also officially enter the German commercial vehicle market with our heavy-duty fuel cell electric truck, the Xcient Fuel Cell,” says Mark Freymueller, senior vice president and head of Commercial Vehicle Business Innovation of Hyundai Motor Company. “Hyundai Motor, which is recognised as the leader in hydrogen fuel cell technology, will leverage this opportunity to expand our business into the wider European market by successfully supporting Germany’s efforts to achieve its carbon-neutral goals.”

The Xcient Fuel Cell

Hyundai’s Xcient comes in 4x2 and 6x2 models for tractor and rigid truck applications and can pull a load comparable to a diesel truck, according to the manufacturer. The Xcient Fuel Cell with a 350-kilowatt (470-horsepower) e-motor with maximum torque of 2,237 newton-metres (1,650 pounds-foot). Three batteries provide a 72-kilowatt-hour source of extra power.

It takes 8 to 20 minutes to refuel one of the Xcient’s leak-resistant hydrogen tanks, with temperature playing a role. The Xcient has seven tanks that together can hold up to 31 kilograms (68 pounds) of fuel. Its 180-kW (241-HP) hydrogen fuel cell system consists of two 90-kW (121-HP) fuel cell stacks.

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In Switzerland, 47 zero-emission Xcient Fuel Cell trucks have driven more than four million kilometers as of July 2022. (Photo courtesy of Hyundai.)

Because the Xcient uses fuel cells instead of a diesel engine, it runs more quietly and with less vibration. The truck also needs no engine oil or urea. If an Xcient is involved in an accident, it automatically cuts off power to its high-voltage cables and shuts off its hydrogen tanks.

The Xcient also features ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) for safety. Hyundai equips the truck with technologies such as Front Collision-avoidance Assist (FCA), Smart Cruise Control (SCC), Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), and Lane Departure Warning (LDW), and an Easy Hill Start System (EHS).

Funding A Greener Future

Germany’s BMDV provides funding for eco-friendly commercial vehicles including battery-electric, fuel cell, and overhead line hybrid units. Its vehicle budget is currently 1.6 billion euros until 2024. BMDV also funds refueling and recharging infrastructure and pertinent feasibility studies.

Hyundai Hydrogen Mobility Germany GmbH (HHMG) will operate local market sales, customer service, and upfitter management with the goal of establishing a hydrogen ecosystem in the country. HHMG was founded by Hyundai Hydrogen Mobility, a joint venture between Hyundai Motor Company and Switzerland’s H2 Energy.

Source: Hyundai