Hyundai Motor has joined hands with Swiss hydrogen energy company to tap the European eco-friendly commercial vehicle market.
Hyundai Motor said on Sept. 26 that its joint venture "Hyundai Hydrogen Mobility," which was established with Switzerland's "H2 Energy (H2E)," has been officially launched.
H2E is a company that provides consulting on hydrogen production and supply solutions and is in charge of developing and carrying out the "Swiss Hydrogen Mobility Association" project, which was launched in May last year.
Hyundai Motor will supply a total of 1,600 hydrogen-powered large trucks in phases by 2025. Hyundai Motor is currently developing a large-sized hydrogen electric truck in line with local regulations in Europe based on its "Xcient."
The new hydrogen fuel cell system will be equipped with a 190-kilowatt hydrogen fuel cell system connected in parallel. It is currently developing a driving distance of about 400 kilometers when fully charged.
HHM supplies these trucks to Swiss buyers of commercial vehicles. Switzerland imposes road tolls on cargo trucks weighing more than 3.5 tons, but exempts hydrogen and pure electric trucks.
Hydrogen needed to operate hydrogen-powered trucks is produced at a hydroelectric power plant in Gosgen, Switzerland. The plant plans to start operating facilities that produce hydrogen from hydroelectric power from the end of this year.
HHM then plans to establish cooperative ties with Germany, the Netherlands, Austria and Norway to fully tap the European eco-friendly commercial vehicle market.
"By establishing a joint venture, Hyundai Motor's hydrogen electric large trucks will be able to successfully enter the European market starting with Switzerland," a Hyundai official said. H2E Chairman Rolf Huber said the company plans to lead the establishment of Switzerland's hydrogen energy ecosystem along with Hyundai Motor, a leading company in hydrogen technology.
