Hyundai’s Bold Move Towards Hydrogen Fuel Cells
Hyundai is championing hydrogen fuel cells as the future of commercial trucking, demonstrating the technology’s potential with its Xcient fuel cell trucks. Since 2020, these hydrogen-powered tractors have accumulated over 4 million miles, showcasing their reliability and safety. As Hyundai pushes forward, the question remains: will hydrogen fuel cells redefine the trucking industry?
Xcient’s Impressive Range and Specifications
The Hyundai Xcient fuel cell truck offers an impressive range of over 450 miles per charge, even when fully loaded with a gross combined weight of 82,000 pounds. Powered by two 90-kW hydrogen fuel cell systems and a 350-kW electric motor, the truck meets the rigorous demands of heavy-duty transport. Despite this range being shorter than the 1,800 miles achievable by diesel trucks, it holds promise for safer, more sustainable long-haul journeys.
Evaluating the Practicality and Future of Hydrogen Trucks
While the current 450-mile range may seem limited compared to diesel trucks’ extensive range, the hydrogen fuel cell technology represents a significant step towards greener transportation. With Hyundai’s expansion plans including a move to the U.S. and production set for Georgia, the future of hydrogen trucks looks promising. As the industry debates battery versus hydrogen power, the focus is on how these innovations can collectively transform the trucking landscape.