[Courtesy of Hyundai Motor]
Hyundai has modified its Xcient truck to produce a fuel cell model capable of delivering a travel range of about 400 km on a single charge. The Xcient fuel cell truck is powered by a 190-kW hydrogen fuel cell system. Seven large hydrogen tanks offer a combined storage capacity of around 32.09 kilograms of hydrogen.
The group said it would produce a new model with a 400-kW hydrogen fuel cell system in the next few years as well as a 46-ton tractor capable of traveling 1,000 km on a single charge. "Hyundai will be reborn as a company that provides hydrogen-powered vehicle solutions in Europe, the Americas and China," said Hyundai's commercial vehicle division head Lee In-cheol.
By 2030, Hyundai aims to sell 25,000 fuel cell trucks in Europe, 12,000 in the United States and 27,000 in China. In the U.S. market, the group will carry out the demonstration of fuel cell trucks with a local logistics company for one year from July next year.
In September, Hyundai partnered with Cummins Inc., an American engine maker, to develop electric and fuel cell powertrains initially for the North American commercial vehicle market and explore ways to develop next-generation fuel cell systems. Collaboration may extend beyond the commercial vehicle market as the two companies will evaluate the development of fuel cell power generators.
Hyundai's concept for a new fuel cell truck, HDC-6 NEPTUNE, will be shown at a commercial vehicle show in Atlanta in October. The group leads a government campaign to replace combustion engines gradually with hydrogen fuel cells and electric batteries. South Korea has unveiled a roadmap to secure its firm leadership in the global market by producing 6.2 million fuel cell vehicles by 2040.
reporter
Lim Chang-won
cwlim34@ajunews.com
