Hyundai Motor Company will host a digital premiere event for the launch of XCIENT Fuel Cell, the world‘s first mass-produced fuel cell heavy-duty truck, at 2pm local (NZ time) on 14 October.

At the event, leaders of Hyundai‘s Commercial Vehicle Business Division and Fuel Cell Centre will introduce the eco-friendly fuel cell truck and their roadmap for clean commercial mobility.

The live stream will be viewable at Hyundai Motor‘s official YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/HyundaiWorldwide). Details about Hyundai‘s plan and technology will be released during the event.

Earlier in July, Hyundai shipped XCIENT Fuel Cell to customers in Switzerland as part of Hyundai Motor‘s plan to roll out a total of 1600 fuel cell electric commercial vehicles by 2025. Hyundai Motor‘s focus on the fuel cell technology reflects its commitment to clean mobility and vision for a future hydrogen society.

XCIENT Fuel Cell is equipped with a 350 bar 32kg hydrogen tank that provides about 400km of driving range with a full trailer in tow. Fuelling time to full charging takes approximately 8 to 20 minutes, and this truck can carry a load comparable to a diesel truck. It also provides various safety and convenience features such as Front Collision-avoidance Assist (FCA), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), smartphone mirroring, and wireless charging.

As a champion of fuel cell technology in New Zealand, Hyundai New Zealand have been committed to alternative fuel technologies since 2018 when they joined the New Zealand Hydrogen Association, followed by the arrival of their fuel cell electric vehicle NEXO in 2019 and the investment in their own hydrogen refuelling station. 

“This is an exciting milestone for Hyundai globally with the launch of the world‘s first mass-produced fuel cell heavy-duty truck, but equally for us and New Zealand as it presents a practical and sustainable option for many industries that utilise trucks,” says Hyundai New Zealand general manager Andy Sinclair. “We look forward to bringing the XCIENT Fuel Cell into New Zealand in the future.”