Hyundai’s hydrogen venture begins in Switzerland
Seven units of the world’s first mass-produced fuel cell truck have entered service on Swiss soil, emitting only water vapour…
Production capacity of the XCIENT Fuel Cell can reach 2,000 units per year by 2021 to support expansion in Europe, the US and China as demand for environmentally friendly transport solutions that do not compromise on efficiency and convenience increases.
The first seven units of the world’s first mass-produced fuel-cell heavy truck, delivered to customers in Switzerland – a total of 50 units are currently in circulation – start their journey on the roads emitting only water vapour.
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To support the growing hydrogen ecosystem, Hyundai has a business plan for more than 100 hydrogen refuelling stations in Switzerland, which is sufficient not only for commercial vehicles, but also for fuel cell electric passenger vehicles. Similarly, Hyundai plans to act as a pivot in the industry to bring different players into the hydrogen value chain and to integrate its efforts to bring added value to the industry.
The delivery of XCIENT Fuel Cell marks the official entry of Hyundai’s commercial vehicles into the European market, a milestone for the company’s expansion into the North American and Chinese commercial markets.
The increase in capacity will be supported by a US$1.3 billion investment, in addition to a previously announced US$6.4 billion stake in the creation of a hydrogen ecosystem to support the creation of a hydrogen society.
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“The delivery of XCIENT Fuel Cell begins a new chapter not only for Hyundai’s support of hydrogen, but also for the global community’s use of hydrogen as a clean energy source,” said In Cheol Lee, Executive Vice President and Head of Hyundai Motor’s Commercial Vehicle Division.
“Today’s delivery is just the beginning, as it opens up endless possibilities for clean mobility. With the successful delivery of the first XCIENT Fuel Cell trucks, we proudly announce our plan to expand beyond Europe to North America and China, where we are already making great progress.”
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Hyundai is also working with various partners in China, which aims to have 1 million hydrogen vehicles on its roads by 2030. The hydrogen industry in China is experiencing a strong growth trend, which is pushing towards huge potential. Initially, Hyundai will focus on the four main hydrogen hubs in China: Jin-jin-ji, Yangtze River Delta, Guangdong Province and Sichuan Province. It is currently discussing cooperation initiatives, such as a joint venture with local partners.
Three fuel cell electric trucks are planned for launch in China: a medium-duty truck in 2022, a heavy-duty truck in a couple of years, and another heavy-duty truck strategically designed for the Chinese market. With these models, Hyundai’s goal is to reach a total sales volume of 27,000 units by 2030.
In 2019, Hyundai Motor Company established Hyundai Hydrogen Mobility (HHM), a joint venture with Swiss company H2 Energy. HHM is also a partner in Hydrospider, a joint venture between H2 Energy, Alpiq and Linde.
Customers will lease XCIENT Fuel Cell trucks from HHM on a pay-per-use basis that requires no initial investment. Hyundai intends to take the success in Switzerland to wider European markets. To do so, it is creating solutions and partner networks in Austria, Germany, the Netherlands and Norway.
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“Once again Hyundai has lived up to its role as a world leader in hydrogen technology,” said Rolf Huber, “which aims to boost sustainable mobility for trucks in Europe and beyond. We are very proud to participate actively in this pioneering project. In addition to supporting the fuel cell truck business, H2 Energy will aim to create a related ecosystem that can be flexible and make these trucks work at their best.”
As part of its production expansion plan, Hyundai plans to supply 1,600 fuel cell commercial trucks by 2025. Currently Coop, Migros, Traveco, Galliker Logistics, Truck Transport AG, F. Murpf AG and G. Leclerc Transport AG along with other companies have placed orders for XCIENT Fuel Cell. They will use the trucks to transport everything from foodstuffs to cars throughout Europe.
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Hyundai will introduce a complete model change for the XCIENT Fuel Cell which will be developed on a dedicated hydrogen fuel cell truck platform in the coming years. The new model will feature an electronic axle and two 200 kW fuel cell systems, which are currently under development.
The new model line-up will include 4×2 and 6×2 trucks and 4×2 traction trucks that can cover a significant part of the main European heavy truck market. The 44-tonne GCW tractor unit will have a range of up to 1,000 kilometres on a single charge. These models will help the effort to replace diesel-powered trucks that emit pollutants.
Hyundai has dedicated itself to further developing fuel cell technology and establishing the supply chain to realise a ‘Hydrogen Economy’ for a better and cleaner future, an effort that has received worldwide acclaim. Hyundai Motor’s hydrogen mobility solution won the Truck Innovation Award at the International Truck of the Year (IToY) last year, and XCIENT FC won the Innovation Award for hydrogen energy and fuel cell technology at the 5th Shanghai Forum held in September this year.
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