Hyundai Unwraps Xcient Tractor Overhaul
[Stay on top of transportation news: .]
ANAHEIM, Calif. — Hyundai Motor Co. unveiled the latest iteration of its Class 8 Xcient hydrogen fuel cell electric tractor April 28, overhauling the powertrain, safety systems and driver comforts.
The latest powertrain’s specs comprise two 90-kilowatt fuel cell stacks, a 72-kilowatt-hour battery pack and a 350-kW e-motor, Hyundai said during the launch at the 2025 Advanced Clean Transportation Expo.
When Hyundai first rolled the Xcient out, it had two 95-kW fuel cell systems paired with a 72-kWh battery and 350-kW motor.
On the interior, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a touchscreen infotainment system of the same size have been added.
The latest version also ships with what are now becoming the usual safety features seen on modern tractors such as forward collision-avoidance assist, lane departure warning, smart cruise control and blind-spot collision warning.
鲹
“At Hyundai Motor, we are redefining the future of clean logistics with innovative solutions that prioritize safety, efficiency and sustainability,” said Ken Ramirez, Hyundai’s head of global commercial vehicle and hydrogen business.
“By leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as Advanced Driver Assistance Systems [ADAS] features and forging strategic partnerships to enhance operations and infrastructure,” he added, “we are empowering our fleet partners to navigate a rapidly changing landscape and lead the transition to a smarter and more sustainable future.”
The Xcient was launched in 2020 and began operations in the U.S. in September 2023 through the NorCAL ZERO Project at the Port of Oakland.
Since then, Hyundai expanded use in October 2024 at the in Georgia. Globally, the Xcient is deployed in 13 countries.
At , we unveiled three breakthrough hydrogen initiatives! — Hyundai USA (@Hyundai)
Xcients carry out about 40% of the metaplant’s total logistics. The 21 tractors use hydrogen produced at the $5 billion electric-vehicle battery cell manufacturing plant.
Hyundai’s own HTWO Logistics partnership with Glovis America coordinates operations, with Greer, S.C.-based Benore Logistic Systems operating 14 of the trucks.
ʲ
Plans are in place to expand use of the trucks to a Hyundai car manufacturing plant in Montgomery, Ala., and a Kia passenger vehicle manufacturing plant in West Point, Ga., said Jim Park, senior vice president of commercial vehicle and hydrogen fuel cell business.
Production of the hydrogen used by the trucks, meanwhile, will expand in late 2025 in Savannah, Ga.
HTWO Logistics is teaming up with hydrogen equipment supplier HydroFleet and Capital Development Partners to build a hydrogen production and refueling facility specifically designed for Class 8 tractors.
The facility is located about 10 miles from the Port of Savannah.
“HTWO Energy Savannah is a breakthrough hydrogen production and refueling station for the heavy-duty trucking industry, allowing zero-emissions trucks to quickly and easily refuel at a single convenient location in the Savannah region,” said Park.
Hyundai is currently the only truck manufacturer supplying Class 8 hydrogen fuel cell tractors in North America.
Want more news? Listen to today's daily briefing belowor go here for more info:
