Hyundai Motor Company introduced the updated version of its XCIENT Fuel Cell Class-8 heavy-duty truck during the Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo 2025, held in Anaheim, California. The unveiling aligns with the company’s ongoing plans to expand its hydrogen mobility operations in North America through its HTWO business brand.
The event, which took place from April 28 to May 1, provided Hyundai an opportunity to outline its broader strategy in the hydrogen energy transition and its goal to strengthen its commercial vehicle presence in the region. The company used the expo to present advancements in hydrogen-powered logistics, fuel cell technology, and infrastructure partnerships.
Hyundai’s Executive Vice President and Head of Global Commercial Vehicle and Hydrogen Business, Ken Ramirez, delivered a presentation that emphasized the company’s focus on commercializing hydrogen-powered vehicle technologies and expanding related infrastructure. He cited Hyundai Motor Group’s ability to operate across the hydrogen value chain, including production, storage, transport, and utilization.
The XCIENT Fuel Cell truck, initially launched in 2020, is described by Hyundai as the first mass-produced hydrogen-powered heavy-duty truck. It has logged over 13 million kilometers of use in 13 countries. The new North American model builds on this legacy, incorporating changes based on testing and operational data gathered since 2021. Tests included driving in varied North American environments and use cases such as port operations and regional logistics.
The latest version of the XCIENT Fuel Cell features a 180 kW fuel cell system composed of two 90 kW stacks. It includes a 72 kWh battery, a 350 kW electric motor capable of delivering 2,237 Nm of torque, and a maximum driving range of 450 miles under optimal conditions. The vehicle contains ten hydrogen tanks with a combined capacity of approximately 68 kilograms. It is offered in a Class-8 tractor variant with a gross combination weight rating of up to 82,000 pounds.
Interior updates include a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a touchscreen infotainment system. Physical buttons have been retained in the center console for convenience. The truck is also equipped with driver assistance features such as forward collision avoidance, lane departure warning, blind-spot alerts, and smart cruise control.
Hyundai also used ACT Expo to highlight its operational hydrogen initiatives in North America. As part of the NorCAL ZERO Project, 30 XCIENT trucks have been deployed for use at the Ports of Oakland and Richmond. These vehicles have collectively covered nearly 450,000 miles since September 2023. In a separate project, 21 XCIENT trucks are used for logistics around the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America in Georgia. These efforts form part of the HTWO Logistics program, which includes on-site hydrogen production and consumption.
The company plans to replicate this logistics model in other regions and expand its HTWO brand into an open collaboration platform involving partners and stakeholders across the hydrogen industry.
Additionally, Hyundai announced the upcoming launch of HTWO Energy Savannah, a Class-8 hydrogen refueling and electric charging station located near its Georgia manufacturing facility. Developed in partnership with HydroFleet and Capital Development Partners, the station is expected to begin operations by the end of 2025.
The updated XCIENT Fuel Cell truck is being exhibited at Hyundai’s ACT Expo booth, along with the company’s hydrogen fuel cell system and information about its broader business activities. Hyundai is also offering test drives of the vehicle during the expo.
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