Hyundai Motor Company is ramping up its hydrogen logistics value chain business in North America.
At the Advanced Clean Transportation Expo 2024 media conference held from May 20 to May 23 at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC), Hyundai presented the current status of its logistics operations and announced plans to expand the hydrogen commercial value chain, focusing on clean logistics.
They also unveiled a concept model for the ‘Axient Hydrogen Electric Truck,’ which will play a pivotal role in this initiative.
At CES 2024, Hyundai declared its intent to expand its existing hydrogen fuel cell system brand, ‘HTWO,’ into a comprehensive hydrogen value chain brand under the Hyundai Motor Group, further accelerating the transition to a hydrogen society.
Ken Ramirez, Vice President of Hyundai’s Global Commercial and Hydrogen Business Division, stated, “Hydrogen is a safe and sustainable energy carrier. Hyundai is at the forefront of transitioning to a hydrogen society. We believe that our journey into the hydrogen commercial value chain, combining the capabilities of mobility and energy within Hyundai Group, is ‘progress for humanity.'”
■ Expansion of North American Hydrogen Commercial Value Chain including Clean Logistics
Through the ‘NorCAL ZERO’ project for introducing eco-friendly trucks in Californian ports, Hyundai delivered 30 Axient Hydrogen Electric Trucks to ‘G.E.T Freight,’ a truck transportation operator under GLOVIS America in the second half of last year, marking a significant step in the hydrogen commercial mobility business.
This delivery represents the largest single supply to a North American transport operator, significantly contributing to the decarbonization efforts at the Oakland and Richmond ports by replacing existing high-emission trucks.
Starting with this project, Hyundai plans to establish a comprehensive ‘hydrogen commercial mobility value chain’ that extends beyond vehicle sales to include hydrogen supply and charging station infrastructure, leasing and financing, and maintenance services.
Additionally, in collaboration with GLOVIS America, the company will implement HTWO logistics solutions, an eco-friendly logistics system, at the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) in Georgia. Specifically, they plan to supply Axient Hydrogen Electric Trucks to build a hydrogen commercial value chain system specialized in transporting parts and finished vehicles.
■ Concept Model of Axient Hydrogen Electric Truck Product Improvement Unveiled
During the ACT Expo 2024, Hyundai also digitally revealed the concept model for the product improvement of the ‘Axient Hydrogen Electric Truck’ for the first time.
The product improvement model of the Axient Hydrogen Electric Truck will incorporate advanced driving technologies based on feedback and driving experiences from North American customers collected over the past year, including features like Collision Avoidance Assist (FCA), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Side Object Detection (SOD), Smart Cruise Control (SCC), and Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS).
Additionally, specifications to enhance practicality and convenience will include a 12.3-inch digital cluster, a 12.3-inch wide-touch digital infotainment system, and right-side detection functionalities.
Throughout the expo, Hyundai will not only showcase the Axient Hydrogen Electric Truck and the hydrogen fuel cell system but will also conduct test drive programs for local media and industry stakeholders.
Additionally, Hyundai has commenced Level 4 autonomous driving tests on the Axient Hydrogen Electric Truck in collaboration with autonomous vehicle technology company ‘Plus,’ making it the first hydrogen electric truck to undergo such testing in the U.S. The testing, equipped with the Level 4 autonomous driving system, aims to present solutions for reducing accidents and enhancing freight transport efficiency.
Reporter: Jinsun Lee daedusj@autodiary.kr