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Hyundai Motor Co. and autonomous technology firm Plus believe their collaboration can expedite deployment of self-driving hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks.
The companies have a vision for an autonomous hydrogen freight “ecosystem” with Hyundai's XCIENT Fuel Cell truck at the core, according to an April 29 press release.
Hyundai’s Class 8 fuel cell electric truck, paired with Plus’ AI-based “SuperDrive” autonomous driving system, can be a “scalable and cost-effective solution to long-haul freight that aims to reduce the carbon footprint of commercial transportation,” according to the release.
Hyundai and Plus debuted their self-driving Class 8 fuel cell electric truck last May during the Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo. That’s when the companies also announced the vehicle’s initial testing would be conducted on a closed course in California.
“By adding autonomous capabilities to our world’s first mass-produced hydrogen-powered XCIENT Fuel Cell truck, Hyundai is looking forward to providing fleets and vehicle operators additional solutions that enhance road safety and freight efficiencies thanks to Plus’ industry-leading autonomous driving technology,” Martin Zeilinger, EVP and head of commercial vehicle development at Hyundai, said when the vehicle debuted last year.
During April’s Advanced Clean Transportation Expo 2025 in Anaheim, California, Hyundai and Plus screened a concept video outlining a “practical framework” for full-scale deployment of the self-driving hydrogen fuel cell trucks. The two companies seek to spark interest by operating the trucks on major shipping corridors while incrementally expanding routes and hydrogen-powered freight infrastructure.
“Over time, this blueprint envisions a self-reinforcing cycle of vehicle adoption, infrastructure development and lower operational costs per unit,” the companies said in a statement.
“Autonomous hydrogen fuel cell trucks are a transformative step forward in sustainable freight,” David Liu, CEO and co-founder of Plus, said in the April announcement. “By combining self-driving and zero-tailpipe emission technologies, we are laying the groundwork for a cleaner, more efficient transportation system that meets the demands of today and the needs of tomorrow,” he said.