Hyundai Motor Company this week introduced its new Xcient hydrogen fuel cell Class-8 heavy-duty truck at the Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo 2025 in Anaheim, California, reflecting the company’s commitment to expanding its hydrogen truck business in North America.
The South Korean automaker confirmed at the show that it aims to “cement its leadership in the global hydrogen energy transition and bolster its market position in the North American commercial vehicle sector,” adding that it aims to achieve this “by leveraging the extensive expertise and robust operational capabilities to create a cleaner, more resilient ecosystem through its HTWO hydrogen business brand.”
The new Hyundai Xcient, with a gvw of 82,000 lbs, is powered by an upgraded 180 kW hydrogen fuel cell system comprising two 90 kW stacks and a 72 kWh battery pack. It is driven by a 350 kW electric motor with a maximum torque of 2,237 Nm. It has a range of 450 miles under optimal conditions, with the fuel cells fed by 10 hydrogen tanks with a combined capacity of approximately 68 kg.
The Xcient cabin’s interior design has been improved for driver convenience and comfort, including a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It also comes with an Advanced Driver-Assistance System (ADAS) which includes the following features:
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA)
- Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
- Smart Cruise Control (SCC)
- Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW)
- Blind-Spot Collision Warning-Near (BCW-NEAR)
- Forward Collision Warning-Near (FCW-NEAR)
Ken Ramirez, head of Global Commercial Vehicle and Hydrogen Business at Hyundai Motor Company, emphasized the company’s commitment to “delivering real-world, production-ready solutions that move the industry forward, with technology, reliability, and manufacturing expertise,” adding, “by leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) features and forging strategic partnerships to enhance operations and infrastructure, we are empowering our fleet partners to navigate a rapidly changing landscape and lead the transition to a smarter and more sustainable future.”
Hyundai recently launched the North California Zero Emissions Project (NorCal Zero), which currently has a total of 30 Xcient trucks in operation at the Ports of Oakland and Richmond – which it says is the “largest single commercial deployment of hydrogen trucks in North America.”
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By GlobalDataThe company also announced that it plans to complete construction of the new ‘HTWO Energy Savannah’ heavy-duty truck hydrogen refueling and electric recharging station near the company’s newly built vehicle assembly plant in Savannah, Georgia, by the end of 2025, with the collaboration of HydroFleet and Capital Development Partners.
