Hyundai Motor has launched a new version of its hydrogen-powered Xcient Fuel Cell heavy-duty truck at the 2025 Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo in California.
The Xcient model, already in use in New Zealand, has been upgraded for the North American market with new advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) technology and an upgraded hydrogen fuel cell system with a range of up to 724km.
“At Hyundai Motor, we are redefining the future of clean logistics with innovative solutions that prioritise safety, efficiency and sustainability,” says Ken Ramirez, Hyundai executive vice president and head of global commercial vehicle and hydrogen.
“By leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) features and forging strategic partnerships to enhance operations and infrastructure, we are empowering our fleet partners to navigate a rapidly changing landscape and lead the transition to a smarter and more sustainable future.”
Hyundai says the new Xcient has undergone extensive testing in North America and is now part of major fleet programmes in California and Georgia.
In California, 30 Xcient trucks are being used at the Ports of Oakland and Richmond under the NorCAL ZERO project. Since September 2023, they have logged nearly 725,000 kilometres of zero-emission freight transport.
Another 21 trucks are being used at Hyundai’s Metaplant in Savannah, Georgia, through a partnership with GLOVIS America. The trucks handle almost half of the plant’s logistics operations, powered by on-site hydrogen production and refuelling.
Hyundai also announced plans to open a refuelling and EV recharging hub, HTWO Energy Savannah, by the end of 2025.
The new Xcient Fuel Cell features:
- 180kW hydrogen fuel cell system (2x 90kW stacks)
- 72kWh battery
- 350kW electric motor with 2,237Nm torque
- 724km maximum driving range
- 10 hydrogen tanks (68kg combined capacity)
- Class-8 tractor variant for North America
Interior upgrades include a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and touchscreen infotainment system with physical controls for improved driver usability.
ADAS features include:
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA)
- Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
- Smart Cruise Control (SCC)
- Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW)
Originally launched in 2020, the Xcient Fuel Cell is the world’s first mass-produced hydrogen truck and has clocked more than 13 million kilometres globally, including deployments in New Zealand, Switzerland and 12 other countries.
Hyundai says its hydrogen business brand, HTWO, will continue expanding through global partnerships and infrastructure investment as it looks to lead the clean logistics transition.
