Hyundai Hydrogen Mobility’s fleet of XCIENT fuel cell trucks has collectively exceeded 1 million kilometres after 11 months on the road.
The fleet of 46 hydrogen fuel cell trucks were put to work in Switzerland, servicing 25 different companies in logistics, distribution and supermarket fulfillment.
After initially launching its fuel cell truck model in 2019, Hyundai revealed the 2021 XCIENT heavy-duty truck last month. The next generation of trucks features a bold grille design as well as updates to improve its performance, and are available in a 4×2 or 6×2 rigid body configuration.
A total of 140 units of the 2021 model will be shipped to Switzerland by the end of this year. Taking this eco-friendly shift even further, the fleet will grow to 1600 hydrogen-electric trucks by 2025.
According to Hyundai, the existing 46-strong XCIENT fleet in Switzerland has reduced CO2 emissions by over an estimated 630 tons, compared to diesel-powered vehicles, since being put to work.
“Hyundai shares this achievement with customers that have integrated the world’s first mass-provided heavy-duty fuel cell trucks in their business operations, replacing regular diesel trucks,” Hyundai said in a statement.”
According to Hyundai, its Swiss customers have been pleased with XCIENT’s eco-friendliness, short refuelling times and long range.
“Swiss transport and logistics companies are convinced that hydrogen fuel cell commercial vehicles have the greatest potential among various alternative energy vehicles. The member companies do not stop at simply introducing hydrogen fuel cell trucks. They have high expectations for the hydrogen energy source that holds great potential for the future and believe that hydrogen will be the key for transitioning to eco-friendly energy,” said Jörg Ackermann, chairman of the H2 Mobility Switzerland Association.
“Specifically, the biggest advantage of hydrogen energy is its excellent storability. This suggests that hydrogen will play an important role in the era of eco-friendly energy. Many distribution companies are already experiencing the benefits directly by using the XCIENT fuel cell trucks, and I think that if summer operation is completed successfully, the demand for the XCIENT fuel cell trucks will increase even more.”
CEO of Hyundai Hydrogen Mobility, Mark Freymüller, says that the company plans to head to other European destinations next year too. “Germany and the Netherlands are the most likely, and there is also strong interest for our vehicles from nearly every other European country. Hyundai’s latest push will put more pressure on local players, which are developing their own hydrogen plans,” he said.