The advent of electric cars seemed like a “one-on-one” movement, but, as with battery models, part of the industry sees hydrogen as an alternative (or even a better alternative). In fact, it is a road that appears to be the solution to heavy transport. Hydrogen for trucks is already a reality and one example on the road is the Hyundai Xcient.
The model was presented almost three years ago, but it was not until a few days back that the definitive production version of the tractor unit saw the light of the day at the Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo.
It is the culmination of a development process in which test units have been deployed in five countries (Germany, Israel, Switzerland, Korea and New Zealand) and have accumulated around 6.5 million kilometers behind them. During the first year of testing, its use has already saved over 631 tonnes of CO2.
Evolution of Xcient
At first the Xcient was available with two types of rigid bodywork, 6×2 and 4×2, both measuring 9,745 mm in length. However, the production version presented has a 6×4 format.
At the mechanical level it is practically identical to the growth model. It has a 180 kW hydrogen fuel cell system, made up of two 90 kW cells; It mounts an electric motor producing 350 kW (476 CV) and 2,237 Nm of maximum torque, and houses three high-voltage batteries that add up to 72 kWh of capacity.
In addition, it has seven hydrogen tanks that add up to a capacity of 31 kg and can be filled between 8 and 20 minutes depending on the ambient temperature at the time of refueling.
At first, Hyundai targeted a range of 400 km per charge as well as a top speed of 85 km/h, but the production version has improved upon the earlier record and the company indicates a range of over 724 km. . 450 miles) with full deposit.
Ken Ramirez, executive vice president and head of global commercial vehicle and hydrogen fuel cell business at Hyundai Motor, said: “We firmly believe that hydrogen is among the most powerful and practical solutions to achieve our vision of ‘Progress for Humanity’ One is emission-free mobility as a fundamental pillar for a sustainable society”.
“Our hydrogen fuel cell technology is an industry first, with a real world proven track record of efficiency and durability. We are building on these capabilities to further transform transportation with hydrogen power for a wide range of mobility applications, including commercial vehicles, marine vessels and even air mobility.”
“We are now looking beyond the dynamics of an integrated hydrogen ecosystem from hydrogen production to storage, transportation and distribution. Hyundai is in a unique position to cover all aspects and offer a true solution across the value chain”, he concluded. Removed
Hyundai’s commitment to hydrogen
In addition to its commitment to heavy transport, Hyundai is one of the most committed brands with hydrogen technology in the entire region, being one of the few brands that markets a model with a hydrogen battery for individuals (Hyundai Nexo).
In fact, it’s part of its medium- and long-term plans: it plans to sell 110,000 fuel cell electric vehicles annually by 2025, a production capacity that will gradually increase to 500,000 units per year in 2030.
