The XCIENT Fuel Cell began operating in Switzerland in October 2020 and has been developed in multiple specialized versions, including refrigerated and freezer vans, street sweepers, hook-lift container trucks and cranes. A total of 165 trucks are now running in five European countries: Switzerland, Germany, France, the Netherlands and Austria.
In Germany, hydrogen-industry companies, including a commercial hydrogen-vehicle leasing specialist, have purchased about 110 hydrogen fuel cell trucks and are using them for logistics such as deliveries for supermarket chains, Hyundai said.
In France, the trucks are also used for supermarket logistics and are deployed in Paris, Lyon, Pays de la Loire and Burgundy for specialized uses including street sweepers, hook-lift trucks and crane trucks. In Switzerland, the Netherlands and Austria, the trucks are used in logistics for food, beverages and industrial textiles, the company said.
Hyundai said the trucks emit no carbon dioxide while driving, helping cut emissions. Under guidelines from the U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the company said, operating hydrogen fuel cell trucks for 20 million kilometers would reduce carbon emissions by about 13,000 metric tons compared with diesel commercial trucks. Hyundai said that is equivalent to the amount of carbon absorbed annually by about 1.5 million pine trees.
Hyundai said it plans to analyze data gathered during the 20 million kilometers of operation — including driving distance, hydrogen consumption and fuel cell performance — and apply the findings to future hydrogen fuel cell technologies.
A Hyundai official said the XCIENT Fuel Cell, which started in Switzerland, is contributing to emissions reductions with partners in various fields, adding that the company will keep working to expand the hydrogen ecosystem and strengthen the role of hydrogen commercial vehicles as an eco-friendly mobility solution.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.