Hyundai Motor Company has launched an eight-truck fleet of XCIENT Fuel Cell Class-8 heavy-duty trucks in Uruguay. The deployment marks South America’s first operational hydrogen fuel cell electric truck fleet. The trucks will support the Kahirós Project, a green hydrogen logistics initiative focused on decarbonizing timber transport.
Highlights
- South American first: Eight XCIENT Fuel Cell Class-8 trucks begin operations in Uruguay, the region’s first hydrogen-powered heavy-duty fleet
- Green hydrogen infrastructure: The Kahirós Project includes a 4.8 MW solar park and an electrolysis plant producing 77 tons of green hydrogen annually
- $40 million investment: Santander Group is backing the initiative, with support from the World Bank’s International Finance Corporation and the UN’s Renewable Energy Innovation Fund
- Global expansion: Uruguay joins Hyundai’s existing XCIENT operations in North America (63 trucks) and Europe (165 trucks)
The Kahirós Project
The Kahirós Project aims to decarbonize timber logistics in Uruguay using green hydrogen produced from renewable sources. Uruguay generated 99% of its electricity from renewables in 2024, according to its Ministry of Industry, Energy and Mining.
Kahirós Associates, a joint venture of Uruguayan firms Ventus (energy), Fraylog (logistics), and Fidocar (Hyundai’s local distributor), leads the initiative. Operations are planned to begin in November 2026.
During regular operation, the main fleet of six trucks is expected to travel nearly one million kilometers per year. Hyundai is providing two additional tractor units as backups and for potential service expansion.
A dedicated after-sales team from Hyundai and Fidocar is training Kahirós personnel on maintenance and operating procedures.
Fleet Leadership Commentary
Juan Andrés Chick, Kahirós Project Director, said the team values the opportunity to contribute to freight transport decarbonization in Uruguay. He described the project as “a pilot that sets the course for more actions at both the national and global levels.”
Airton Cousseau, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Brazil and the Central and South America Region, said the XCIENT trucks “produce no tailpipe emissions and offer a lower-carbon alternative to traditional freight logistics methods.”
Chul Youn Park, Senior Vice President and Head of Global Commercial Vehicle and Light Commercial Vehicle Business Division at Hyundai, called the South American expansion meaningful. He said the partnership with Kahirós Associates “has strengthened our devotion to innovation and commitment to sustainability.”
XCIENT Fuel Cell Specifications
- Fuel cell system: 180 kW total output from two 90 kW stacks
- Electric motor: 350 kW (469 hp) with 2,237 Nm of torque
- Hydrogen storage: 68 kg capacity across 10 tanks, supplemented by a 72 kWh battery pack
- Range: Up to 450 miles (approximately 720 km) under optimal conditions
- Class 8 capability: Gross combined weight up to 82,000 lbs
Hyundai’s Global Hydrogen Footprint
Hyundai operates 63 XCIENT Fuel Cell trucks in North America. That fleet has surpassed approximately 1.6 million kilometers of accumulated driving since its 2023 regional debut.
In Europe, 165 units operate across Switzerland, Germany, France, the Netherlands, and Austria. Those trucks have collectively exceeded 20 million kilometers since the Swiss debut in 2020.
Hyundai Motor Group’s hydrogen brand and business platform, HTWO, provides end-to-end solutions across the hydrogen value chain.
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