Hyundai Motor Delivers Hydrogen Trucks for European Export... Launching Global Hydrogen Commercial Vehicle Business

[Asia Economy Reporter Su-yeon Woo] Hyundai Motor Company has completed the local delivery of hydrogen fuel cell trucks exported to Europe and is set to actively target the global hydrogen commercial vehicle market. The company unveiled regional roadmaps for hydrogen fuel cell trucks in Europe, North America, and China, and announced a goal to establish an annual production system of 2,000 units by next year.

On the 7th (local time), Hyundai announced that it delivered the 'XCIENT Fuel Cell' hydrogen fuel cell trucks exported to Europe to customers through a local handover ceremony held in Lucerne, Switzerland.

Earlier in July, Hyundai shipped a total of 10 XCIENT large hydrogen fuel cell trucks, the world's first mass-produced model, from Gwangyang Port in Jeollanam-do to Switzerland. At this handover ceremony, 7 vehicles that had completed cargo bed installation locally in Europe were delivered in the first batch, with an additional 3 units scheduled for delivery by the end of October.

On the 7th (local time), Hyundai Motor Company held a handover ceremony for hydrogen electric trucks in Switzerland and completed the delivery of the 'Xcient Hydrogen Electric Truck' vehicles. A representative from the Swiss customer company Coop is taking a commemorative photo in front of the hydrogen electric truck.
/Photo by Hyundai Motor Company

Hyundai’s Successful Export of Hydrogen Trucks to Europe Expands Global Business

Hyundai plans to export an additional 40 hydrogen fuel cell trucks to Switzerland by the end of this year, while the Swiss government intends to install 100 hydrogen refueling stations across various regions in Switzerland to promote the hydrogen market.

Since last year, Hyundai has been working with overseas hydrogen-related companies such as Hyundai Hydrogen Mobility (HMM) and H2 Energy, centered around the Swiss Hydrogen Mobility Association, to build an ecosystem for large hydrogen fuel cell trucks that organically connects vehicle supply, customers, hydrogen refueling, and hydrogen production.

The supply of XCIENT hydrogen fuel cell trucks to the Swiss market is based on the 'hydrogen fuel cell large truck ecosystem' and is provided in a new concept hydrogen mobility service model where users pay-per-use. The usage fee includes all service costs related to vehicle operation such as refueling, repairs, insurance, and regular maintenance, enhancing convenience for users.

Lee In-cheol, Vice President and Head of Hyundai’s Commercial Vehicle Division, said, "The delivery of XCIENT hydrogen fuel cell trucks to European customers marks the beginning of the global community’s active use of hydrogen as a clean energy source. Building on this successful entry into Europe, we will continue the journey of new eco-friendly commercial vehicles to North America and China."

Regional Hydrogen Truck Roadmaps Unveiled... Long-Distance Hydrogen Trucks with 1,000km Range Expected

Meanwhile, Hyundai plans to establish mass production capacity capable of supplying up to 2,000 hydrogen fuel cell trucks annually by 2021 to ensure stable expansion of the global hydrogen fuel cell truck market in Europe, North America, and China. Through continuous technological development, the company also plans to introduce large hydrogen fuel cell trucks for long-distance transport with a driving range exceeding 1,000 km on a single charge.

After successfully establishing hydrogen fuel cell trucks in Switzerland, Hyundai plans to expand to the entire European region including Germany, Norway, the Netherlands, and Austria. The goal is to supply 1,600 units by 2025 and more than 25,000 units by 2030 to the European market.

In North America, Hyundai will partner with large logistics companies to launch a commercialization demonstration project for hydrogen fuel cell trucks starting in 2021. Through this, customized trucks reflecting regional characteristics and customer requirements in North America will be produced, with plans to supply more than 12,000 units by 2030.

To respond to the Chinese market, which is promoting the distribution of 1 million hydrogen fuel cell vehicles by 2030, Hyundai is closely cooperating with the Chinese government and excellent local partners. The company is actively developing hydrogen commercial vehicle business and infrastructure with a target of exporting more than 27,000 units by 2030.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.