Shifting freight emissions-free
Hyundai’s Xcient fuel-cell truck has had its down-under debut as part of the marque’s ongoing commitment to commercial transport with zero tailpipe emissions.
It was unveiled at last week’s Brisbane Truck Show alongside the enhanced Mighty electric truck, which features new specifications.
The Xcient, pictured above, has already been deployed in 13 countries, logging more than 13 million kilometres of real-world operations in Switzerland alone. And it has clocked up around 100,000km during trials in New Zealand since 2021.
Across the Tasman, where freight significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, the Xcient “represents a game-changing opportunity for fleets to transition to eco-friendly transport without compromising on range or power”.
Martin Him, head of commercial vehicles and fleet at Hyundai Motor Company Australia (HMCA), adds: “We are continuing to develop solutions to meet the evolving needs of the transport industry.
“The launch of the Xcient in Australia is a defining moment. It represents more than just a new product. It’s a call to action for industry, government and energy sectors to embrace a cleaner, smarter future.
“Through continuous investment in battery-electric and hydrogen fuel-cell technologies, Hyundai aims to lead the transition to low-emissions transport in Australia and beyond.”
The Xcient is the world’s first mass-produced, heavy-duty truck powered by hydrogen. It offers a sustainable solution for long-haul freight while decarbonising freight transport.
Equipped with a 350kW electric motor, it delivers robust performance while emitting only water vapour. It boasts a range of about 400km and can be refuelled in less than 20 minutes.
The fuel-cell truck is in Australia for evaluation, technical assessment and real-world fleet trials, an initiative which marks a “critical step” in HMCA’s mission to expand the country’s hydrogen mobility sector.
To ensure it’s tailored to local conditions and industry needs, HMCA is in talks with prospective partners focused on identifying practical applications for the Xcient across use cases and operational environments.
Meanwhile, the Mighty electric truck – initially launched across the ditch in 2023 – is Hyundai’s solution for low-emission urban logistics.
Its updates for 2025 cover a focus on improved performance, safety and versatility to cater to the evolving needs of urban logistics and delivery services.
The e-truck, pictured below, features a 114.5kWh lithium-ion battery for range of up to 200km when fully loaded, making it ideal for last-mile deliveries. This range was validated in a tray-body configuration with air-conditioning active, and tested under typical Australian urban-driving conditions.
The vehicle’s 120kW electric motor provides 320Nm of torque ensures robust performance even under heavy loads. The EV supports AC and DC charging via a CCS2 combo port – accepting up to 6.6kW AC or 100kW DC fast charging.
Using a 100kW DC charger, the battery can be replenished from eight to 100 per cent in around 71 minutes, making full recharges possible within a standard lunch break. For faster turnarounds, a 20-minute fast charge during a delivery stop can add about 100km of range.
The Mighty features a two-stage regenerative braking system. This recovers up to 33 per cent of braking energy, which further enhances overall efficiency.
It’s now available as a 4.5-tonne variant suitable for drivers with a standard car licence and a 7.3-tonne model requiring a truck licence. This flexibility allows a broader range of operators to adopt the EV without extra licensing hurdles.
The 7.3-tonne model provides a braked towing capacity of 1,000kg and non-braked capacity of 380kg, while the 4.5-tonner’s figures are 3,800kg and 1,000kg respectively.
Hyundai has established a dedicated network of authorised e-truck dealers across Australia to provide sales and service support for Mighty and Xcient. These are located in Bankstown and Smeaton Grange NSW, Laverton North in Victoria, Fyshwick in ACT, Welshpool in Western Australia, Southport and Acacia Ridge in Queensland, and Pooraka, South Australia.
