Hyundai Motor Enters Israel with Hydrogen Trucks... Expanding Middle East Market

Exient, First Supply of 3rd Generation

[Asia Economy Reporter Kiho Sung] Hyundai Motor Company is expanding its presence in the Middle East hydrogen fuel cell truck market, starting with the entry of the XCIENT Fuel Cell hydrogen electric truck into Israel.

On the 13th, Hyundai announced that it will supply a total of three XCIENT Fuel Cell trucks, one each to the Israeli dealership 'Kolmobil,' hydrogen producer 'Bazaan,' and hydrogen refueling station operator 'Sonol.'

The vehicles delivered to these companies are 4x2 XCIENT Fuel Cell trucks equipped with a 180kW hydrogen fuel cell system, capable of driving over 400 km on a single charge.

The XCIENT Fuel Cell truck supplied to 'Kolmobil' is expected to be actively deployed for automotive parts transportation starting in the first quarter of next year, marking the first commercially operated hydrogen fuel cell truck in the Middle East region.

'Kolmobil,' 'Bazaan,' and 'Sonol' signed a mutual memorandum of understanding last year to establish a hydrogen value chain in line with the Israeli government's strong commitment to carbon neutrality, and as part of this effort, they decided to introduce the XCIENT Fuel Cell trucks.

Previously, last year, Israel announced its national greenhouse gas reduction targets (NDC) of 27% by 2030 and 85% by 2050 compared to 2015 levels. This set a long-term and ambitious goal, reducing per capita greenhouse gas emissions by 26% from 2005 levels by 2030, which was a more aggressive target than the previous plan.

Hyundai Motor Company plans to expand the supply of XCIENT Fuel Cell trucks throughout the Middle East region, centered on Israel, to participate in this movement.

Mark Freymuller, Executive Vice President of Hyundai Motor's Commercial Innovation Division, said, "Participating in the initial establishment of local hydrogen infrastructure through close cooperation with major Israeli companies is an important milestone for Hyundai, which is striving to form a global hydrogen value chain. We are confident that the XCIENT Fuel Cell trucks will make a tangible contribution to accelerating Israel's energy transition."

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