Hyundai has been one of the key proponents of
hydrogen vehicles and the company has announced plans to introduce a new fuel
cell semi at the IAA Commercial Vehicles show in Hannover, Germany. Designed to build on the success
of the ix35 Fuel Cell and Nexo, the fuel cell semi previews a production model
that will be launched in 2019. The company is keeping details under wraps, but
said the semi has a “simple and clean design which is also aerodynamically
efficient.” Speaking of the latter, the semi has been equipped with a spoiler,
sculpted side panels and aerodynamic mirrors.
Besides the aerodynamic design features, the semi
has a bold front grille which echoes the one used on the Nexo and Santa Fe.
However, Hyundai says this particular grille “symbolizes hydrogen” and gives
the truck a “unique and powerful look.” The eco-friendly message is reinforced
by blue accents and LED lighting units which hint at the high-tech powertrain.
Specifications will be announced at the show and Hyundai
says the model will compete in Europe’s “eco-friendly commercial vehicle
market” when it is launched next year. While Hyundai was tight-lipped on
details, they’re not the only automaker that is working on fuel cell semis.
Earlier this year, Toyota unveiled Project Portal 2.0 which was a
hydrogen-powered Class 8 semi which used a handful of components sourced from
the Mirai.
While the two vehicles shared some components, that
is where the similarities end. Unlike the car, the semi had a powertrain that produced
670+ hp and 1,794 Nm of torque. The model also
had a sleeper cab and a range in excess of 482 km.
