Hyundai brings self-driving Xcient to US

MANILA: Hyundai Motor Company, in collaboration with California-based autonomous driving software provider Plus, unveiled the first-ever Level 4 self-driving hydrogen-powered truck in the United States.

Based on the Class 8 Xcient Fuel Cell Truck, it debuted at the 2024 Advanced Clean Transporation (ACT) Expo as the first-ever of its kind for the North American market. 

As mentioned, this all-new truck model leverages the Plus SuperDrive level 4 autonomous driving system that uses a collection of sensors, cameras, and many other advanced sensors. 

On that note, the Xcient Fuel Cell Truck is touted by the Korean car brand as a safer, more efficient, and more sustainable logistics solution. 

To clarify, the Xcient brand under Hyundai Motor isn’t by any means new. Previously, a  470-horsepower hydrogen fuel cell tractor was introduced at the 2023 ACT Expo. Other markets mainly in Europe have also fielded the hydrogen-powered Xcient model line. 

Even when fully loaded, the hydrogen fuel cell system on the Xcient provides over 724 kilometers of range, according to Hyundai. It likewise has the benefit of producing no harmful emissions since the only by-product that comes out of a hydrogen powertrain is H2O (water). 

The addition of the autonomous driving system from Plus though, is seen by Hyundai Motor as a means to greatly increase road safety as well as freight efficiency. Both of the latter are always a plus in highly urbanized economic centers that regularly see heavy vehicle traffic day-to-day. 

As per Hyundai Motor, the Xcient Fuel Cell Truck with Plus’ autonomous driving systems are now being introduced in several markets in Europe, as well as in Australia. 

Interestingly, Hyundai Trucks and Buses Philippines under the distributorship of Hariphil Asia Resources Incorporated did sell one iteration of the Xcient truck locally. 

The local version of the Hyundai Xcient, however, is yet to receive a hydrogen fuel cell powertrain and instead, it uses a 12.7-liter turbodiesel engine. It likewise lacks the level 4 autonomous driving system on the newly launched Hyundai Xcient Fuel Cell Truck for the US. 

Photos from Hyundai Motor

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