Hyundai is venturing beyond passenger vehicles with its commitment to hydrogen fuel cells. The South Korean automaker has announced plans to deploy 1,000 fuel cell commercial trucks in Switzerland by 2023. As the market for zero-emission commercial vehicles expands, competition is heating up between fuel cell technology and battery power, similar to the ongoing rivalry in the passenger car segment.
While Hyundai has been selling limited numbers of Tucson Fuel Cell crossovers since 2013, this initiative marks its entry into the fuel cell commercial truck market. According to Hyundai, the new fuel cell truck boasts a range of approximately 400 kilometers (248 miles), thanks to eight hydrogen storage tanks onboard. Refueling is a quick process, taking just seven minutes.
The truck will feature distinctive design elements to signify its fuel cell capabilities. Hyundai states that a rear spoiler and side protectors will enhance its aerodynamic performance. Additionally, the truck is expected to deliver a power output of 469 horsepower and an impressive torque of 2,507 pound-feet.
H2 Energy, a company specializing in hydrogen infrastructure, will oversee the rollout of these trucks, alongside the establishment of fueling stations and sourcing hydrogen from renewable energy.
This Swiss truck initiative is part of Hyundai’s broader strategy to extend its fuel cell vehicle lineup beyond just passenger cars. Previously, the automaker deployed fuel cell buses during the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, South Korea, and is currently piloting programs in other cities in South Korea, with plans for mass production set for 2020. Additionally, a new second-generation fuel cell crossover named the Nexo is scheduled to launch later this year, with Hyundai exploring its use in fleet services such as car-sharing and taxis.
Hyundai’s strategy aligns with that of Toyota, another key player in the hydrogen fuel cell market. Besides selling limited quantities of its Mirai sedan, Toyota introduced a fuel cell bus at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show, planning to roll out production versions during the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. Toyota is also testing a prototype fuel cell semi-truck called Project Portal in California.
In addition to Hyundai and Toyota, startup Nikola Motors is aiming to unveil a hydrogen fuel cell semi-truck around 2020. However, similar to the passenger vehicle sector, there is a trend among commercial vehicle manufacturers leaning more towards battery technology. Established firms like Daimler, Navistar, and Volvo are developing battery-powered trucks, while Tesla has already received hundreds of preorders for its battery-electric semi truck.
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