Hyundai showcases hydrogen truck concept

Hyundai has revealed its hydrogen-powered fuel cell truck concept at this year’s North American Commercial Vehicle Show in Atlanta.

The HDC-6 Neptune follows the company’s first hydrogen commercial vehicle, the Xcient, and will be targeting the United States market.

Named after the Roman god, it symbolises the hydrogen powered natural elements of the sea – the largest potential source of hydrogen fuel on Earth.

Hyundai commercial vehicle business division head Edward Lee says the company is “willing to work with other partners to pave the way to establish a hydrogen ecosystem” for commercial vehicles.

“We have cemented the fuel cell technology leadership position in the passenger vehicle sector with the world’s first commercially produced fuel cell EV and the second-generation fuel cell EV, the NEXO.

“With the introduction of HDC-6 NEPTUNE, in addition to the road proven Xcient fuel cell truck, we expand our technology leadership into the commercial vehicle sector by unveiling our vision of how fuel cell electric trucks can resolve the environmental equations of widely used commercial vehicles and our commitment to create a decarbonised society,” Lee says.

Hyundai has also released the HT Nitro ThermoTech concept in collaboration with Air Liquide which will be the first refrigerated transportation model of its kind in North America.

It uses a cryogenic nitrogen refrigeration system which produces 90% less carbon emissions than a regular unit.

Hyundai Translead chief executive Bongjae Lee says the technology was developed as part of the company’s commitment to addressing climate change.

“The HT Nitro ThermoTech reduces pollutants and emissions while providing reliable and effective cold chain food transportation.”