Hyundai Motor Company has revealed the next generation of its hydrogen-powered XCIENT Fuel Cell heavy-duty truck, showcasing the global leader’s commitment to zero-emission freight and the growing role of hydrogen in commercial transport. This current model of the XCIENT platform will make its Australian debut at the 2025 Brisbane Truck Show, giving local fleet operators and transport stakeholders the opportunity to see firsthand how hydrogen is shaping the future of heavy-duty logistics.
First launched in 2020, the XCIENT Fuel Cell is the world’s first mass-produced hydrogen-powered truck, with over 13 million kilometres of commercial operation completed across 13 countries. The newest version was recently unveiled at the Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo in California and includes a range of upgrades tailored to meet heavy-duty fleet demands, with particular relevance for future Australian use cases.
Hydrogen Innovation with Real-World Applications
Powered by a 180kW hydrogen fuel cell system comprising two 90kW stacks, the latest XCIENT features a 72kWh battery and a 350kW e-motor delivering up to 2,237Nm of torque. Its 10 hydrogen tanks provide a total storage capacity of approximately 68 kilograms, supporting a maximum driving range of 724 kilometres under ideal conditions.
This performance is coupled with a gross combination weight rating of 37,195 kilograms, making it suitable for port, regional, and medium-haul logistics tasks. Hyundai has also focused on driver comfort and safety, introducing a redesigned cab interior with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a matching touchscreen infotainment system. A full suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) comes standard, including Lane Departure Warning, Smart Cruise Control and Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist.
The truck will be a key attraction on the Hyundai stand at the 2025 Brisbane Truck Show, where local transport operators and government stakeholders will be able to explore how hydrogen can be integrated into Australia’s clean freight future.
Australian Hydrogen Ecosystem Gathers Momentum
As Hyundai brings the XCIENT Fuel Cell to local audiences, momentum is also building around Australia’s hydrogen infrastructure. A key milestone is the planned opening of a hydrogen refuelling station in Geelong in 2025. The station will provide much-needed support for hydrogen truck trials and future commercial deployments, especially across key freight corridors in Victoria.
These developments align with industry expectations around hydrogen’s long-term role in transport. At the recent Australian Trucking Association (ATA) conference, it was forecast that hydrogen will become a mainstream transport fuel by 2040. With trucks like the XCIENT now in mass production and gaining real-world experience overseas, Hyundai’s early investment puts it ahead of the curve.
Hydrogen in Action: Global Learnings for Local Outcomes
Hyundai’s global deployments have delivered valuable insights that can now inform Australia’s transition. In California, for example, 30 XCIENT trucks have been operating at the Ports of Oakland and Richmond since 2023, collectively logging over 725,000 kilometres of zero-emission container hauling. A further 21 XCIENT trucks are in service as part of Hyundai’s HTWO Logistics program, supporting freight movements for Hyundai’s manufacturing operations and demonstrating the viability of a fully integrated hydrogen ecosystem.
These real-world projects offer a proof point for Australian logistics operators who are increasingly evaluating how to decarbonise freight transport. Hyundai’s approach—backed by both vehicle manufacturing and infrastructure partnerships—offers a blueprint for scalable clean transport solutions.
Preparing for a Hydrogen Future
Hyundai continues to expand its HTWO hydrogen business brand to support ecosystem development across production, supply, refuelling and operations. As part of its global strategy, the company is actively inviting partners and investors to participate in hydrogen platform development to accelerate deployment at scale.
The arrival of the latest XCIENT Fuel Cell truck at the Brisbane Truck Show signals more than just a new model launch—it’s a sign that hydrogen-powered heavy vehicles are no longer a distant concept. They are real, road-tested, and ready to support Australia’s journey toward low-emission logistics.
Fleet operators, policy makers and infrastructure providers attending the Brisbane Truck Show will have a unique opportunity to explore the XCIENT up close and learn from Hyundai’s international experience in building a hydrogen transport ecosystem.
