Hyundai released new updates of its newly upgraded XCIENT Fuel Cell, the world’s first mass-produced, heavy-duty truck powered by hydrogen.
“Hyundai Motor is leveraging more than 20 years of experience in fuel cell technology to further its vision of an eco-friendly hydrogen society,” said Jaehoon (Jay) Chang, CEO and President of Commercial Vehicle Division at Hyundai Motor Company.
“With 2021 XCIENT Fuel Cell, Hyundai will contribute to the widespread adoption of commercial vehicles powered by hydrogen.”
Hyundai will begin production of the 2021 XCIENT Fuel Cell in August this year.
Improved driving experience and performance
Hyundai has upgraded both the design and performance of XCIENT Fuel Cell.
2021 XCIENT Fuel Cell is equipped with a 180-kW hydrogen fuel cell system with two 90-kW fuel cell stacks, newly modified for this heavy-duty truck model.
The fuel cell system’s durability as well as the vehicle’s overall fuel efficiency has been improved to better stay in tune with the demands of commercial fleet customers. The 350-kW e-motor with maximum torque of 2,237 Nm further enables dynamic driving performance.
Seven large hydrogen tanks offer a combined storage capacity of around 31 kg of fuel, while three 72-kWh high voltage batteries provide an additional source of power.
The maximum driving range of the 2021 XCIENT Fuel Cell is set to be around 400 km. Refuelling a full tank of hydrogen takes about 8 to 20 minutes, depending on the ambient temperature.
2021 XCIENT Fuel Cell is now available in a 6×2 chassis configuration, as well as the 4×2 chassis option introduced in the previous model.
XCIENT Fuel Cell hitting the European and North American market
With the launch of the enhanced model, Hyundai plans to accelerate the global advancement of its heavy-duty fuel cell truck.
Hyundai shipped a total of 46 units of XCIENT Fuel Cell to Switzerland last year. As of May 2021, the cumulative driving range reached over 750,000 kilometres, reducing carbon dioxide by more than 585 tons versus diesel-powered vehicles.
Hyundai also plans to present XCIENT Fuel Cell to the North American market this year.
Hyundai is in talks with several local governments and logistics businesses in the U.S. to establish potential joint operations of hydrogen-powered trucks. The company is also planning to host XCIENT Fuel Cell roadshows and other events open to the general public.