Seven German logistics, manufacturing and retail companies will put 27 XCIENT fuel cell trucks into operation with funding for green commercial vehicles from the German Federal Ministry for Digital Industry and Transport (BMDV). Hyundai Motor Company has announced the export of its XCIENT fuel cell heavy-duty trucks to Germany, Europe’s largest commercial vehicle market.
“We are delighted to officially enter the German commercial vehicle market with our fuel cell electric heavy-duty truck, the XCIENT Fuel Cell. Hyundai Motor, which is recognized as the leader in hydrogen fuel cell technology, will seize this opportunity to expand its business in the wider European market, successfully supporting Germany’s efforts to achieve its carbon neutral goals.” , did he declare. Mark Freymueller, senior vice president and head of commercial vehicle business innovation at Hyundai Motor Company.
The XCIENT fuel cell to be delivered is equipped with a 180 kW hydrogen fuel cell system with two 90 kW fuel cells. The durability of the system and the overall fuel efficiency of the vehicle are tailored to the requirements of commercial fleet customers. The 350 kW electric motor with a maximum torque of 2,237 Nm enables dynamic driving.
The XCIENT Fuel Cell’s seven large hydrogen tanks provide a combined storage capacity of approximately 31 kg of fuel, while a set of three 72 kWh batteries provide an additional power source. The maximum range is 400 km per charge. Filling up a full tank of hydrogen takes between 8 and 20 minutes, depending on the ambient temperature.
Launched in 2020 by Hyundai Motor, the XCIENT Fuel Cell is the world’s first mass-produced hydrogen electric heavy-duty truck. The company has already deployed 47 units in Switzerland, where it has accumulated more than four million driving kilometers by July 2022. The trucks serve 23 different customers in Switzerland.
In August 2021, the BMDV launched its financing guidelines for commercial vehicles with alternative engines after approval by the European Commission. Financing is available for battery electric vehicles, fuel cell and hybrids (for airlines), corresponding to the charging/refueling infrastructure and the associated feasibility studies. The BMDV will have a budget of 1,600 million euros until 2024 to acquire ecological utility vehicles.
The seven German companies mentioned initially applied for funding from XCIENT Fuel Cells from hyundai and successfully received BMDV approval, once again proving the competitiveness of XCIENT Fuel Cell product.
Hyundai Hydrogen Mobility, a joint venture between Hyundai Motor Company and Swiss company H2 Energy, has also established Hyundai Hydrogen Mobility Germany GmbH (HHMG) to actively expand its entry into the commercial vehicle market. powered by hydrogen in Germany. In order to establish a hydrogen ecosystem in the country, HHMG will handle sales and customer service in the local market, as well as the management of installers in the market. HHMG also plans to actively participate in the second funding program.