South Korean car manufacturer Hyundai Motor wants to ship a new series of hydrogen-powered trucks to Europe.
A new class of Xcient Hyundai truck is expected to arrive in Europe in the fourth quarter, said Mark Freymueller, president of Hyundai Hydrogen Mobility. Hydrogen-powered trucks are, according to proponents, better for long-distance use because of the more extended range than electric variants.
Hyundai Hydrogen Mobility (HHM), a joint venture between Hyundai and the Swiss hydrogen company H2 Energy, has previously rented hydrogen trucks for the Swiss market. The company plans to provide services to other European countries as well next year. Germany and the Netherlands are expected to be the first to do so. There is also interest in Austria, Norway, France, Italy, Spain and Denmark.
A study by consulting firm Berylls Strategy Advisors estimates that by 2030, 25 percent of new truck sales in Europe will be electric and 10 percent hydrogen. But the ratio could change if green hydrogen is scaled up, according to the agency.
Consulting firm McKinsey expects that hydrogen for fuel cell vehicles will not be cost-effective compared to diesel at the earliest in 2028. In addition, the consultancy notes that car manufacturers are pursuing their hydrogen plans, but often at a different pace.