Hyundai Hydrogen Electric Truck Wins 'Technology Innovation Award' in China

5th International Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle Forum Technology Innovation Award 2nd Place

Hyundai Xcient hydrogen electric trucks being loaded for export to Switzerland last July (Photo by Hyundai)

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ji-hee] Hyundai Motor Company's hydrogen electric truck has won the Technology Innovation Award at the China Hydrogen Energy Expo.

On the 20th, Hyundai Motor announced that its Xcient hydrogen electric truck received the second prize for the Hydrogen Energy and Fuel Cell Technology Innovation Award at the "5th International Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle Forum" held on the 15th in Shanghai, China. The Technology Innovation Award is organized by the China Society of Automotive Engineers and the International Hydrogen Fuel Cell Association, where hydrogen energy experts in China evaluate six categories including the degree of technological innovation and prospects of hydrogen energy parts, materials, and equipment.

While Chinese companies and institutions swept the awards from first place to participation prizes, Hyundai Motor was the only foreign company to be recognized. Shanghai Hydrogen Propulsion Technology won first place for automotive fuel cell technology, and China First Automobile and Dongfeng Motor secured first place for commercialization of fuel cell technology for commercial vehicles.

The Xcient hydrogen electric truck is equipped with an electric motor delivering up to 350 kW (476 hp) of power performance through a 190 kW output fuel cell stack. The hydrogen storage capacity reaches 32 kg, enabling a driving range of 400 km with a charging time of 8 to 20 minutes.

Hyundai Motor's hydrogen electric truck is also making full-scale advances into the European and North American markets. In September last year, Hyundai Motor signed a business agreement with Cummins in the United States to jointly develop eco-friendly powertrains based on hydrogen fuel cell systems for commercial vehicles and to supply them to North American commercial vehicle manufacturers. In July, Hyundai exported 10 Xcient hydrogen electric trucks to Switzerland for the first time. The plan is to export 1,600 units by 2025. Starting with Switzerland, the supply regions will expand throughout Europe, including Norway, Germany, the Netherlands, and Austria.