Hyundai hopes to launch 1,000 hydrogen trucks in Switzerland.

Hyundai announced the world’s first fleet of fuel cell trucks in partnership with Swiss company H2 Energy. In total, 1,000 vehicles are to be deployed in Switzerland between 2019 and 2023, which on average is 200 annually (in the beginning the numbers are expected to be lower though). The two companies have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

The South Korean semi-trailer truck, hinted at ahead of IAA, will be able to drive up to 400 km (250 miles) in real-world conditions using 32.86 kg of hydrogen stored in eight tanks.

Specifications:

  • Gross Vehicle Weight 18 ton (GCW 34 ton with trailer)
  • Driving Range of 400 km (250 miles)
  • Tank Capacity / Pressure 32.86 kg H2 (8.2 kg/100 km) / 350 bar
  • Hydrogen Refueling Time 7 min
  • Traction Motor 350 kW / 3,400 Nm (471 PS / 246 kgf·m)
  • Fuel Cell Stack Power 190 kW (2x 95 kW)
  • Length 9,745 mm, Width 2,550 mm, Height 3,730 mm, Wheelbase 5,130 mm
According to Reuters, Hyundai sold so far around 1,140 hydrogen fuel cell cars, which shows how big is the deal for 1,000 trucks is in comparison with the current achievement.

More in the press release:

The MOU signing ceremony took place in the IAA Commercial Vehicles 2018 exhibition’s convention center and was attended by key individuals from each company, including Hyundai Motor’s Executive Vice President and Head of Commercial Vehicle Division, In Cheol Lee, as well as Chairman of H2E, Rolf Huber.

We are yet again advancing the field of fuel cell technology in the automotive industry with today’s announcement of our ambition to commercialize the fuel cell electric truck for the first time in the world” said Executive Vice President In Cheol Lee. “We will continue to seek opportunities for expanding into other markets by carefully monitoring multiple factors such as fueling infrastructure and governmental policies.

In Cheol LeeHyundai Motor’s Executive Vice President and Head of Commercial Vehicle Division

The fuel cell electric truck is being developed according to European regulations. It features a new 190kW hydrogen fuel cell system with two fuel cell systems connected in parallel, also a feature of NEXO. It is expected to deliver a single-fueling travel range of approximately 400km, and in order to secure sufficient range, eight large hydrogen tanks are being compactly installed, utilizing areas such as between the cabin and the rigid body.

The fuel cell electric truck boasts a distinctive design. It is presented in a simple and clean design which is also aerodynamically efficient, and features a spoiler and side protector.

The front grille symbolizes hydrogen through geometric shapes, giving the vehicle a unique and powerful look. The vehicle emanates an eco-friendly look with a blue color application and a bold side body graphic on the container, which also visualizes its dynamic character.

H2 Energy is a company specialized in the production and supply of renewable hydrogen in Switzerland, with business subsidiaries in Germany, Norway and Austria. The company is experienced in the roll out of an optimized hydrogen ecosystem, which focuses on commercial viability for all stakeholders.

H2 Energy plans to make Hyundai’s fuel cell electric trucks available to its Swiss customers starting with the dedicated members of the Swiss H2 Association, which includes several refueling-station operators, retailers and other customers focusing on eco-friendly innovative solutions for logistics and goods distribution.

A sustainable hydrogen economy needs a designated ecosystem for hydrogen. This is why our collaboration between Hyundai Motor, H2 Energy, the Swiss H2 Association, and Key electricity producers in Switzerland is strategic and makes a lot of sense.

Rolf HuberChairman of H2 Energy

Fuel cell electric powertrain technology has advantages over battery electric powertrain technology in its applications to larger vehicles such as trucks and buses. Fuel cell technology saves space and reduces weight as well as being more cost efficient to apply as the vehicle size increases. Therefore, the technology is deemed to have a wide array of opportunities to be utilized in the commercial vehicle field.

The global demand for eco-friendly commercial vehicles is expected to increase as eco-friendly government policies are enforced around the world.

To cater to growing opportunities in the sector, Hyundai plans to diversify its fuel cell electric commercial vehicle line-up. Currently under development is the medium sized fuel cell electric truck (Payload: 4~5ton) which can be used in the public services domain such as vehicles used for cleaning.

Hyundai Motor also introduced fuel cell electric express buses during the PyeongChang Olympics in South Korea last February and is currently conducting a pilot operation with fuel cell electric buses in South Korea’s major cities, whilst reviewing plans for mass production by 2020. Domestically, FCEV taxis and car-sharing services are operating on public roads in Ulsan and Gwangju.

Hyundai Motor began the world’s first fuel cell electric vehicle lease in the United States, also supporting its wider transport industry, including FCEV taxis, and car-sharing services to further support the spread of eco-friendly technology usage.

Fuel cell electric truck specification (4x2 cargo truck) *

Specification Truck
Gross Vehicle Weight 18 ton (GCW 34 ton with trailer)
Length 9,745 mm
Width 2,550 mm
Height 3,730 mm
Wheelbase 5,130 mm
Driving Range Approximately
Hydrogen Refueling Time 7 min
Tank Capacity / Pressure 32.86 kgH2 / 350 bar
Fuel Cell Stack Power 190 kW (2x 95 kW)
Traction Motor 350 kW / 3,400 Nm (471 PS / 246 kgf·m)
Safety Features FCA, LDW **

* Vehicle under development and production model specification may vary. ** FCA: Front Collision Avoidance Assist, LDW: Lane Departure Warning.

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