Hydrogen Meets Autonomy In Hyundai Motor And Plus Concept At ACT Expo
The collaboration pairs Hyundai Motor's hydrogen-powered XCIENT Fuel Cell truck with Plus's AI-based autonomous driving software, SuperDrive™, proposing a scalable and cost-effective solution to long-haul freight that aims to reduce the carbon footprint of commercial transportation.
'Hyundai Motor believes in a sustainable future powered by advanced fuel cell technologies', said Jim Park, Senior Vice President of Commercial Vehicle and Hydrogen Business Development at Hyundai Motor North America. 'We hope to continue our partnership with Plus to add autonomous driving capabilities to XCIENT Fuel Cell trucks in the future and provide our fleet operator customers with additional solutions that improve road safety and freight efficiency. The concept shared today shows why we value this partnership and the vision for what autonomous hydrogen fuel cell trucks can deliver.'
Plus is an autonomous trucking AI software company delivering safe and scalable factory-built autonomous trucks globally. Headquartered in Silicon Valley with operations in the United States and Europe, Plus has over 500 global patents. In addition to Hyundai, Plus partners include TRATON GROUP's Scania, MAN, and international brands, Iveco Group, Bosch, and DSV.
David Liu, CEO and Co-Founder of Plus, added: 'Autonomous hydrogen fuel cell trucks are a transformative step forward in sustainable freight. By combining self-driving and zero-tailpipe emission technologies, we are laying the groundwork for a cleaner, more efficient transportation system that meets the demands of today and the needs of tomorrow. We are excited to showcase a concept for the sustainable future we expect to create with innovation-driven partners like Hyundai Motor.'
A Scalable Pathway to Hydrogen Freight
In a concept video, Hyundai Motor and Plus outline a practical framework for deploying autonomous hydrogen fuel cell trucks along high-utilization hub-to-hub routes. The approach focuses on four steps. Initial deployment would occur across major freight corridors to build early momentum, which in turn would stimulate demand for strategically placed hydrogen refueling stations. Expanding infrastructure would support a growing fleet and wider hydrogen use, thereby reinforcing scalability as new routes drive further infrastructure investment and adoption.
Because autonomous hydrogen fuel cell trucks offer zero-tailpipe emissions, fast refueling, long driving range, quieter operation, and reduced maintenance, the partners note that these features position Hyundai Motor's XCIENT Fuel Cell truck as an ideal candidate for continuous long-haul transport, particularly as the hydrogen ecosystem matures.
Plus and Hyundai emphasize that this infrastructure can be built out incrementally, with each added delivery route increasing network efficiency and economic viability – benefiting not only autonomous trucks, but also other hydrogen-powered vehicles. Over time, this blueprint envisions a self-reinforcing cycle of vehicle adoption, infrastructure development, and lower operational costs per unit.
A Key Strategic Play
Hyundai Motor Company sells high volumes of cars and heavy trucks globally while also investing in advanced technologies such as robotics and Advanced Air Mobility.
While Hyundai Motor sells over 4M internal combustion engine heavy trucks globally on an annual basis, the company is not active in the U.S. ICE market. Thus, fuel cell electric sales in the U.S. represent a major strategic play. Last year, Hyundai Motor deployed 21 XCIENT Fuel Cell trucks at the Port of Brunswick in Georgia, supporting the Hyundai 'Metaplant' in the region.
HTWO is Hyundai's hydrogen value chain business brand. HTWO Logistics, a joint venture between Hyundai Motor Company and Glovis America, is installing a mobile hydrogen refueling station at the Metasite for efficient refueling. A hydrogen production and refueling station will be developed as well.
Keep An Eye On H2 Autonomy
The ability to fuel a vehicle powered by hydrogen portends endless challenges, which is why this form of energy is not expanding quickly even though the operational benefits are can be substantial when all the pieces are in place. The hydrogen-powered autonomy vision announced today is worth keeping an eye on.
Disclosure: Richard Bishop is an Advisor to and/or an equity holder in the following companies mentioned in this article: Plus.
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