Hyundai reveals fuel-cell truck

Hyundai has revealed its first commercial vehicle powered by hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicle (FCEV) technology, the heavy-duty Hyundai HDC-6 Neptune Concept truck.

Unveiled at the North American Commercial Vehicle (NACV) show, the concept truck is part of the Korean auto-maker’s plan for wide-spread deployment of hydrogen FCEVs by 2023.

Hyundai is not new to the FCEV market. In 2013, it launched the first mass-produced and commercially available FCEV based on the ix35 compact SUV.

Then, in 2018, it launched the Hyundai NEXO dedicated FCEV, 20 examples of which have been ordered by the ACT government’s Hornsdale Windfarm Project.

In December 2018, Hyundai invested $US6.4 billion to accelerate the development of a hydrogen society that looks beyond passenger vehicles.

“Today at this show, by showing HDC-6 Neptune, the first hydrogen-only concept for Hyundai Motor Company’s commercial vehicles, we will start exploring opportunities in the United States commercial vehicle market,” said Edward Lee, Head of Hyundai Commercial Vehicle Business Division.

“Furthermore, we are willing to work with other partners to pave the way to establish a hydrogen ecosystem for CV,” he added.

Hyundai says that fuel-cells are the perfect fit for heavy-duty trucks and long driving distances due to their range, higher payload, shorter refuelling time and ultimately lower costs.

Hyundai deliberately chose the 2019 North American Commercial Vehicle Show to debut the HDC-6 Neptune Concept to introduce Hyundai commercial vehicles to the US market.

Moving forward, Hyundai stated it will start exploring opportunities in the US commercial vehicle market, as well as being open to working with other partners to pave the way to establish a hydrogen ecosystem for commercial vehicles.

Hyundai has already expanded its global spread of FCEV technology. Through its joint-venture with H2 Energy, Hyundai is commercialising fuel-cell electric trucks by providing 1600 FCEV heavy-duty trucks to the Swiss commercial vehicle market from 2019 to 2023.

Following Hyundai’s commercial vehicle entry to the European market, the US is an important next phase of the company’s FCEV vision.

Also at the NACV show, leading trailer manufacturer Hyundai Translead (HT) announced the launch of its new, clean-energy refrigerated concept trailer, the HT Nitro ThermoTech.

Adding to Hyundai’s sustainable mobility vision, the HT Nitro ThermoTech will be one of the first trailer manufacturers in North America to introduce a refrigerated trailer using a cryogenic nitrogen refrigeration technology system.

The HT Nitro ThermoTech concept trailer’s carbon footprint is claimed to be up to 90 per cent less than a traditional unit.

In the concept trailer, temperatures are reduced more quickly than a traditional refrigeration unit. The trailer is not affected by outside temperatures and maximum power is always available, even when the truck’s engine is idling or off.

The HT Nitro ThermoTech concept trailer cooling unit is virtually noiseless which significantly reduces noise pollution for drivers as well as at the point of delivery -- a significant advantage for night-time deliveries in urban and suburban areas.