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Hyundai Motor Company has initiated the NorCAL ZERO Project, aiming to implement zero-emission freight transportation within the San Francisco Bay Area and California’s Central Valley. This strategic move underscores Hyundai’s commitment to sustainable transport solutions, utilizing hydrogen fuel cell technology to power Class 8 XCIENT Fuel Cell trucks. The project’s launch was celebrated at a dedicated event in Oakland, attended by a consortium of stakeholders including local government entities, environmental groups, and industry partners.
Key Highlights
- Deployment of 30 hydrogen-powered trucks: Hyundai Motor has rolled out 30 Class 8 XCIENT Fuel Cell trucks, marking the largest commercial deployment of its kind in the U.S.
- Significant carbon emission reductions: The project aims to cut over 24,000 metric tons of carbon emissions, enhancing regional air quality and supporting environmental goals.
- Collaboration with multiple partners: Key participants include GLOVIS America, the University of California, and the Port of Oakland, among others, reflecting a broad coalition supporting sustainable transport.
- Funded by multiple grants: Financial backing is provided by entities such as the California Air Resources Board and the California Energy Commission, highlighting substantial institutional support.
During the launch event, Hyundai Motor assembled with partners such as the Center for Transportation and the Environment (CTE) and East Bay Municipal Utilities District at the FirstElement Fuel Hydrogen Refueling Station. This collaboration not only showcases Hyundai’s leadership in hydrogen fuel technology but also aligns with regional decarbonization efforts, particularly in U.S. port areas.
Hyundai Motor’s Executive Vice President, Ken Ramirez, highlighted the significance of the initiative: “The NorCAL ZERO Project in Oakland marks a significant step forward in realizing Hyundai’s vision for a global hydrogen society,” he stated. Ramirez emphasized the project as a practical example of how transport energy transition can be realized in the present, aiming to serve as a foundation for Hyundai’s broader decarbonization strategies globally.
This initiative is part of Hyundai’s ongoing efforts to promote hydrogen as a viable clean energy solution for commercial vehicles, demonstrating a proactive approach in addressing the environmental challenges posed by traditional fossil fuel-based transportation. With the NorCAL ZERO Project, Hyundai is not only contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions but also paving the way for a more sustainable future in freight transport across the United States.
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