As part of the Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo 2025 in Anaheim, California, Hyundai Motor presented the new generation of the Xcient Fuel Cell. The South Korean manufacturer aims to underline its commitment to expanding hydrogen mobility in North America. It emphasizes that the Xcient Fuel Cell is the world's first mass-produced hydrogen truck.
Since its market launch in 2020, the truck has been in use in 13 countries. In Switzerland, it has already covered more than 13 million kilometers. The latest model is equipped with an improved fuel cell system that has been specially adapted to the requirements of the North American market. Since 2021, the fuel cell truck has been tested under various climatic
conditions and is now ready to serve customers in the area of port transportation and logistics over medium distances.
“At Hyundai Motor, we are defining the future of clean logistics with innovative solutions that prioritize safety, efficiency, and sustainability,” said Ken Ramirez, Executive Vice President and Head of Global Commercial Vehicle and Hydrogen Business. “Our advanced driver assistance systems and ongoing collaboration with our fleet partners enable us to promote the transition to a more sustainable and smarter future.”
The new fuel cell system of the Xcient Fuel Cell is powered by two 90 kW stacks and is equipped with a 180 kW fuel cell drive, granting the truck a range of up to 724 kilometers
under optimal conditions. The truck has ten hydrogen tanks with a total capacity of about 68 kilograms. Combined with a 350 kW electric motor that delivers a maximum torque of 2,237 Nm, the Xcient Fuel Cell is suitable for heavy-duty applications. The gross vehicle weight of the truck is up to 37,195 kilograms.
Inside, the Xcient Fuel Cell is equipped with modern technologies to enhance driver comfort. A fully digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system offer a clear and user-friendly interface. The integration of physical buttons in the center console ensures ergonomic operation.
In addition to the technological development of the truck, Hyundai also presents modern driver assistance systems, including
an autonomous emergency brake assistant, a lane-keeping assistant, an adaptive cruise control system, and a new blind-spot monitor. These systems aim to improve safety and efficiency in daily operations.
Hydrogen Logistics and Partnerships in North America
Hyundai Motor not only uses the ACT Expo to showcase the new Xcient Fuel Cell but also to present its partnerships in the field of hydrogen-powered logistics in North America. One of them is the Norcal Zero project, in which a total of 30 Xcient Fuel Cell vehicles have been deployed since September 2023. These vehicles are emission-free and are used for freight and container transport in the ports of Oakland and Richmond. Since then, the trucks have covered almost
