Hyundai Motor is reaffirming its commitment to the hydrogen fuel cell electric truck and has announced plans to pair it with Level 4 autonomous driving technology. At Solutrans 2025 in Lyon, the manufacturer exhibited the Xcient Fuel Cell tractor unit, which is already in operation in ten countries. Hyundai highlighted that the model, launched in 2020, has accumulated more than sixteen million kilometres, confirming the maturity of the technology and the vehicle’s ability to support continuous freight transport operations. The fuel cell powertrain drives a 350 kW electric motor, while range reaches 500 kilometres thanks to high-pressure hydrogen tanks and short refuelling times.
In the United States, a key market for heavy-duty transport, Xcient Fuel Cell is at the centre of two operational initiatives that demonstrate the scalability of the solution. The Norcal Zero project is deploying thirty units at the ports of Oakland and Richmond, areas characterised by intense freight flows and stringent emissions-reduction targets. In parallel, the Htwo logistics initiative uses twenty-one trucks to support operations at Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America in Georgia, where hydrogen is produced and distributed directly on the industrial site, reducing logistical lead times and refuelling complexity.
These applications show that the vehicle can operate in high-intensity environments without altering fleet dynamics, supporting continuous duty cycles and management practices compatible with heavy-duty transport requirements. Hyundai’s strategy also focuses on developing the wider hydrogen ecosystem, integrating refuelling infrastructure and planning routes along high-usage corridors for goods and containers.
The Korean manufacturer is also testing an autonomous evolution of the truck, combining hydrogen propulsion with a Level 4 driving system developed by Plusai. The model is designed for long-distance hub-to-hub operations, with the potential to increase uptime and reduce operating costs. This integration also addresses structural issues within the sector, such as driver shortages and the need to ensure continuity in deliveries.
