Hyundai Motor Co., which is currently testing heavy-duty fuel cell electric trucks (FCETs) in Switzerland, plans on commercializing the hydrogen-powered vehicles in the U.S. starting in 2022. A pilot program could begin in 2021 in California.
The first fleet customers are expected to have 3,000 to 5,000 trucks. That allows Hyundai to gradually build out the much-needed and virtually non-existent infrastructure. As of Sept. 1, 2020, there were 42 hydrogen stations open in California for light-duty FCEVs, according to the California Fuel Cell Partnership.
Hyundai shipped 10 of its XCIENT Fuel Cell trucks, “the world’s first mass-produced” FCET, according to the company, to Switzerland in July. Forty more should arrive by the end of the year. By 2025, Hyundai expects 1,600 XCIENTs on the road.
