Montevideo: Hyundai Motor Co. announced the delivery of eight Xcient hydrogen fuel cell trucks to Uruguay for an eco-friendly logistics project, with operations scheduled to commence later this year. This initiative is part of the Kahiros Project, a local effort to decarbonize timber logistics, and marks the first significant deployment of hydrogen-powered heavy-duty trucks in South America.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the project is supported by a US$40 million investment from Spain-based Banco Santander, alongside contributions from other global financial institutions. Airton Cousseau, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor Brazil and the Central and South America region, emphasized the company's dedication to sustainable transport solutions. He stated, "Our hydrogen fuel-cell Xcient trucks, deployed in the Kahiros Project, produce zero tailpipe emissions and offer a lower-carbon alternative to conventional freight transport."

The Xcient truck, a 37.2-ton tractor unit, features a 180-kilowatt hydrogen fuel-cell system and can travel up to 720 kilometers on a single charge. Hyundai Motor is actively expanding its global hydrogen ecosystem, with significant deployments in North America and Europe. In Europe, 165 Xcient trucks have collectively covered 20 million kilometers by January, while in North America, 63 units have accumulated a total of 1.6 million kilometers.

Hyundai Motor Group, through its hydrogen brand and business platform HTWO, aims to provide comprehensive solutions across the hydrogen value chain. The company plans to leverage its expertise to foster collaborations, partnerships, and investment in the hydrogen sector.