On November 5, the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE) opened grandly at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai. Hyundai Motors showcased core products including the MIGHTY Fuel Cell, a hydrogen fuel cell light truck, and its hydrogen fuel cell system. This not only highlighted Hyundai’s strong capability and innovation in the hydrogen commercial vehicle sector but also provided feasible solutions for sustainable development in transportation.
Comprehensive Industrial Chain Layout
Leading a New Journey for the Hydrogen Energy Ecosystem
In the context of global efforts to address climate change and drive energy transition, hydrogen energy, as a clean and efficient energy carrier, has become a key path for achieving sustainable development. Hyundai is keeping pace with these trends, leveraging its leading edge in hydrogen to build a full hydrogen ecosystem that includes production, storage, transportation, and usage.
In terms of technological innovation, Hyundai continues to advance key hydrogen fuel cell technologies, green hydrogen production, and hydrogen storage, enhancing hydrogen utilization efficiency and safety. For product development, it continuously improves the performance and reliability of hydrogen fuel cell commercial vehicles, offering models tailored for various scenarios, with the goal of achieving carbon neutrality across the lifecycle of these vehicles. Moreover, Hyundai actively promotes industry collaboration, working closely with upstream and downstream companies and research institutions to establish a comprehensive hydrogen industry ecosystem, contributing significantly to the sustainable growth of China’s automotive industry.
At this year’s CIIE, Hyundai’s hydrogen fuel cell system and MIGHTY Fuel Cell light truck attracted widespread attention upon their debut. The hydrogen fuel cell system integrates a broader efficiency hydrogen stack, a high-efficiency electric drive system, and a high-power battery structure, with a hydrogen-electric conversion efficiency of up to 64%. Thanks to its outstanding performance, this fuel cell system has won the title of “Wards 10 Best Engines,” powering various vehicles including light trucks and buses for logistics and sanitation, and has successfully launched demonstration operations.
The MIGHTY Fuel Cell light truck is equipped with an advanced hydrogen fuel cell system, achieving a peak motor power of 140 kW, peak torque of 360 Nm, and a range of up to 574 km. This offers significant advantages such as rapid acceleration and strong climbing capability, perfectly meeting the demands of urban logistics and various commercial operations.
Full-Scenario Demonstration Operations
Driving a New Future for Hydrogen Transition
In June 2023, Hyundai’s first overseas hydrogen fuel cell system R&D, production, and sales base, “HTWO Guangzhou,” officially commenced operations, laying a solid foundation for Hyundai Commercial Vehicles’ full-scenario demonstration operations in hydrogen energy.
Powered by “HTWO Guangzhou,” Hyundai Commercial Vehicles is strengthening cooperation with local enterprises, establishing hydrogen fuel cell vehicle demonstration zones in major economic regions nationwide. Particularly in the Pearl River Delta, Hyundai is increasing investment to improve the hydrogen application ecosystem, enhancing the convenience and economy of operating hydrogen fuel cell commercial vehicles, and promoting their application in urban logistics and municipal sanitation.
To date, Hyundai Commercial Vehicles, in partnership with other companies, has successfully produced and delivered 40 hydrogen fuel cell sanitation trucks of 4.5 tons and over 100 hydrogen fuel cell logistics trucks of 4.5 tons, mainly used for express delivery, agricultural product transportation, and convenience store distribution. After several months of demonstration operation, business users have highly praised the vehicles’ power performance, quality, high-speed stability, and real-time after-sales service, setting a “hydrogen benchmark” for green transformation in urban logistics and sanitation.
Hyundai Commercial Vehicle’s impressive showcase of the MIGHTY Fuel Cell light truck at the 7th CIIE not only demonstrates its technological strength and innovative achievements in hydrogen but also reaffirms its commitment to a greener future for the commercial vehicle industry.
With Hyundai Commercial Vehicles leading the way, hydrogen fuel cell commercial vehicles are poised to witness broader development prospects in the Chinese market, becoming a key force driving sustainable growth in China’s commercial vehicle sector.
