Hyundai lands first Australian customer for heavy-duty hydrogen fuel cell truck

South Korean automaker Hyundai says it has landed its first Australian customer for its Xcient fuel cell truck, one of the world’s first hydrogen-powered heavy-duty trucks.

Despite the relatively apathetic response to hydrogen-fuelled electric vehicles (EVs) that has dominated recently, several carmakers – especially in Japan and South Korea – are intent on proving their value.

Hyundai, one of those companies doing its best to sell the value of hydrogen-fuelled EVs, says industrial gas manufacturer and supplier, Coregas, which was recently acquired by Japanese holding company Nippon Sanso, will integrate an unknown number of Xcient Fuel Cell Trucks into its daily operations.

The Hyundai Xcient Fuel Cell Truck boasts an estimated driving range of up to 400 kilometres (based on European market testing). With a battery capacity of 31 kilogram at 350 bar and fuel cell output of 72 kilowatt-hours (kWh), the Xcient puts out 180 kW of power.

Refuelling takes anywhere between 8 to 20 minutes when refuelling at a 350 bar hydrogen station. However, there are very few refuelling stations in Australia,

“Securing our first client for the XCIENT is a milestone moment for Hyundai in Australia,” said Don Romano, CEO of Hyundai Motor Company Australia.

“The partnership with Coregas shows how hydrogen mobility can move beyond concepts and trials into real-world operations. We are proud to bring the world’s first fuel cell heavy-duty truck to Australian roads and to demonstrate how it can deliver both sustainability and performance for local fleets.”

Coregas in 2023 launched Australia’s first hydrogen refuelling station for heavy transport at Port Kembla, New South Wales. It says it will now integrate the Hyundai Xcient Fuel Cell Truck – spoken of only in the singular in the official press release – into its day-to-day operations, using it to transport industrial, medical and specialty cylinders to its Australian customers.

“This partnership brings together two organisations committed to accelerating the clean energy transition and showing industry how hydrogen can play a vital role in decarbonising heavy transport,” said Alan Watkins, executive general manager at Coregas.