Hyundai Motor deploys hydrogen truck fleet

Why is Hyundai Motor bringing hydrogen fuel cell trucks to South America?

Hyundai Motor’s deployment of the XCIENT Fuel Cell trucks supports the Kahirós Project, a local initiative to decarbonise timber logistics through the development and use of green hydrogen infrastructure.

Key milestones of the XCIENT Fuel Cell trucks’ deployment in Uruguay include:

• First in South America – marks the region’s first deployment of hydrogen-powered heavy-duty trucks for actual operation, not demonstration.
• Accelerating zero tailpipe emissions logistics – Hyundai Motor’s participation in the Kahirós Project, together with Uruguayan partners of the consortium (Fidocar, Fraylog, and Ventus) and investment by Santander Group, demonstrates a commitment to reducing carbon emissions in local freight transport.

What is the Kahirós Project and how does it support green logistics?

The Kahirós Project is designed to decarbonise timber logistics in Uruguay by using green hydrogen produced from renewable sources in hydrogen fuel cell trucks for transportation.

Uruguay has embraced renewable energy, resulting in the country generating 99% of its electricity from renewable sources in 2024, according to Uruguay’s Ministry of Industry, Energy and Mining. Within this framework, the Kahirós Project aims to achieve decarbonisation in local operations through actions including the deployment of the XCIENT Fuel Cell trucks over a 10-year period.

The initiative is led by Kahirós Associates, a joint venture consisting of Uruguayan companies Ventus (energy), Fraylog (logistics) and Fidocar (Hyundai Motor’s local distributor). It is backed by a US$40 million investment from Santander Group, with support from the International Finance Corporation of the World Bank and the United Nations’ Renewable Energy Innovation Fund.

The project includes a 4.8 MW solar park and the construction of an electrolysis plant capable of generating 77 tpy of green hydrogen. Operations are planned to begin in November 2026.

During regular operation, the main fleet of six trucks is expected to travel nearly one million km/yr. Hyundai Motor provides two additional tractor units as backups and for exploring further service expansion, taking the total fleet size to eight trucks.

How are Hyundai Motor and the Kahirós Project advancing sustainable mobility in South America?

Uruguay is the first country in South America to adopt hydrogen-powered heavy-duty trucks for regular operations, paving the way for local hydrogen production and refuelling infrastructure. This milestone sets a new benchmark for sustainable logistics across Central and South America and demonstrates Hyundai Motor’s commitment to providing practical solutions for decarbonisation.

To ensure seamless and reliable operations, a dedicated team of After Sales specialists from Hyundai Motor and Fidocar is delivering comprehensive training to Kahirós personnel, covering proper maintenance and operating procedures.

“From the Kahirós team, we value the opportunity to contribute to the decarbonisation of freight transport in Uruguay, and we are committed to ensuring that this project becomes a pilot that sets the course for more actions at both the national and global levels, contributing to the efforts to position our country as a hub in this field" commented Juan Andrés Chick, Kahirós Project Director.

“At Hyundai, we are committed to creating sustainable transportation solutions. Our Hyundai XCIENT trucks with hydrogen fuel cells supporting the Kahirós Project produce no tailpipe emissions and offer a lower-carbon alternative to traditional freight logistics methods. We will help decarbonise a critical part of the paper production value chain and demonstrate to the world that we can take action for a better future starting now,” added Airton Cousseau, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Brazil and Hyundai Motor Central and South America Region.

“It is meaningful that Hyundai expands its global leadership in clean mobility toward South America with its advanced hydrogen fuel cell technology in addition to its proven applications in North America and Europe. At Hyundai, we aim to contribute to building a sustainable and safe freight ecosystem through hydrogen-powered commercial vehicles. Our partnership with Kahirós Associates has strengthened our devotion to innovation and commitment to sustainability as we share a vision for the future,” stated Chul Youn Park, Senior Vice President and Head of Global Commercial Vehicle and Light Commercial Vehicle Business Division at Hyundai Motor Co.

What are the XCIENT Fuel Cell truck’s key features*?

• Hydrogen fuel cell system – a 180 kW total output from two 90 kW fuel cell stacks.
• Dynamic performance – a 350 kW (469 hp) electric motor with 2237 Nm torque provides excellent freight and logistics capability.
• Energy storage – a total hydrogen capacity of 68 kg across 10 tanks, supplemented by a 72 kWh battery pack.
• Impressive range – versatile energy storage delivers up to 450 miles (approximately 720 km) of range under optimal operating conditions.
• Heavy-duty capability – a Class 8 tractor variant with gross combined weight (GCW) up to 82 000 lbs.

Together, the XCIENT Fuel Cell truck’s strong attributes contribute to enabling long-haul operations with no tailpipe emissions.

Read the article online at: https://www.globalhydrogenreview.com/hydrogen/23032026/hyundai-motor-deploys-hydrogen-truck-fleet/