HYUNDAI

Brand announces delivery of hydrogen-powered heavy trucks from its XCIENT Fuel Cell line to Germany

Hyundai Motor Company today announced the export of its XCIENT Fuel Cell heavy trucks to Germany, Europe's largest commercial vehicle market.

Seven German logistics, manufacturing and retail companies will put 27 XCIENT Fuel Cell trucks into service with green commercial vehicle financing from the German Federal Ministry for the Digital Industry and Transport (BMDV).

In August 2021, the BMDV released its financing guidelines for commercial vehicles with alternative propulsion systems following approval by the European Commission. Financing is available for battery, fuel cell and hybrid electric vehicles, corresponding to the charging/refueling infrastructure and related feasibility studies. The BMDV will have a budget of 1.6 billion euros until 2024 to acquire environmentally friendly commercial vehicles.

The seven German companies mentioned initially applied for financing with Hyundai's XCIENT Fuel Cells and successfully received BMDV approval, which once again demonstrates the competitiveness of the XCIENT Fuel Cell product.

Hyundai Hydrogen Mobility, a joint venture between Hyundai Motor Company and Swiss company H2 Energy, has also created Hyundai Hydrogen Mobility Germany GmbH (HHMG) to actively expand its entry into the hydrogen-powered commercial vehicle market in Germany. In order to establish a hydrogen ecosystem in the country, HHMG will be in charge of sales in the local market and customer service, as well as managing the installers in the market. HHMG also plans to actively participate in the second funding program.

XCIENT Fuel Cell Specifications...The XCIENT Fuel Cell that will be delivered is equipped with a 180 kW hydrogen fuel cell system with two 90 kW fuel cells. The system's durability and the vehicle's overall fuel efficiency adapt to the demands of commercial fleet customers. The 350 kW electric motor with a maximum torque of 2,237 Nm allows for dynamic driving.

The XCIENT Fuel Cell's seven large hydrogen tanks provide a combined storage capacity of 31 kg of fuel, while a set of three 72 kWh batteries provides an additional power source. The maximum range is 400 km per charge. Refilling a tank full 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 series-produced hydrogen electric heavy truck. The company has already deployed 47 vehicles in Switzerland, where they have accumulated more than four million driving kilometers by July 2022. The trucks serve 23 different customers in Switzerland.

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