At the Advanced Clean Transportation Expo 2024, Hyundai Motor Company showcased its ambitious hydrogen vision and launched its US clean logistics business, emphasising the future of sustainable transportation with the company’s Class 8 XCIENT Fuel Cell electric truck.
Ken Ramirez, executive vice president and head of global commercial vehicle and hydrogen business, underscored the company’s unwavering commitment to a Hydrogen Society. Ramirez elaborated on the broad potential of hydrogen and how Hyundai Motor Group leverages its vast capabilities across hydrogen production, storage, logistics and applications to foster this vision.
“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,” said Ramirez. “[We] leverage our strengths in both the mobility and energy sectors to realise our vision for a Hydrogen Society.”
Jim Park, senior vice president and head of commercial vehicle and hydrogen business development at Hyundai Motor North America, detailed the rollout of the Class 8 XCIENT Fuel Cell electric trucks in key US hydrogen logistics projects. These include the NorCAL ZERO Project and the Clean Logistics Project.
Through the NorCAL ZERO Project, Hyundai deployed 30 XCIENT Fuel Cell trucks at the Port of Oakland and Port of Richmond, reportedly marking the largest commercial deployment of such trucks in North America. The Clean Logistics Project in Georgia aims to decarbonise Hyundai’s production facility at the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America.
“This landmark port decarbonisation initiative in California serves as a prime example of how hydrogen trucks are paving the way towards sustainable future logistics,” Park noted.
In a notable collaboration, Hyundai Motor and GLOVIS America announced HTWO Logistics, a new clean logistics partnership focused on zero-emission transportation in Georgia. Glenn Clift, executive director of GLOVIS America, introduced the partnership, highlighting its role in reducing carbon emissions around Hyundai’s new manufacturing facility.
“Our clean logistics operation in Georgia aims to establish a value chain of clean hydrogen production, supply, refuelling and zero-emission vehicles,” Clift explained. “Through HTWO Logistics, we are creating a hydrogen mobility ecosystem in and around Georgia’s Metaplant.”
Innovative enhancements and autonomous driving
At the expo, Hyundai Motor also previewed enhancements for the XCIENT Fuel Cell truck, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a touch screen infotainment system designed for driver convenience. Advanced driver-assistance systems such as forward collision-avoidance assist, lane departure warning, and smart cruise control were also showcased.
Moreover, Hyundai’s collaboration with autonomous driving leader Plus aims to test Level 4 autonomous driving technology on the XCIENT Fuel Cell truck in the US, marking a significant step in integrating advanced technology with hydrogen-powered vehicles.
Hydrogen’s role in clean logistics
Hydrogen is seen as a pivotal solution for commercial vehicles due to its high energy density and suitability for long-haul driving and heavy loads. Hyundai’s XCIENT Fuel Cell truck is already seemingly leading the market with operations in Europe, South Korea and North America.
As part of Hyundai’s broader vision, HTWO has evolved to encompass the entire hydrogen value chain, integrating capabilities across multiple industries. The Group is exploring innovative methods for hydrogen production, including converting organic waste into hydrogen, thereby closing the loop on sustainable energy solutions.
