Hyundai & Plus Launch Level 4 Autonomous Fuel Cell Truck

Imagine the possibilities when a seasoned automotive manufacturer with more than five decades of experience joins forces with a cutting-edge safety technology company.

The result is a transformative collaboration that is set to reshape the EV smart mobility market.

Hyundai Motor and Plus are introducing the first Level 4 autonomous fuel cell electric truck in the US, a pioneering effort that aims to elevate road safety and freight efficiencies through the XCIENT Fuel Cell truck equipped with Plus' advanced Level 4 autonomous driving software.

A new era in autonomous driving

The Level 4 autonomous XCIENT Fuel Cell truck is undergoing its initial autonomous driving assessments in the US.

It marks an historic milestone as the first-ever Level 4 self-driving test on a Class 8 fuel cell electric truck.

The collaboration between Hyundai and Plus seeks to demonstrate that autonomous hydrogen fuel cell trucks can significantly improve trucking safety, efficiency and sustainability.

"We're excited to showcase our collaboration with Plus to test Level 4 autonomous driving technology with our Class 8 XCIENT Fuel Cell truck," comments Martin Zeilinger, Executive Vice President and Head of Commercial Vehicle Development at Hyundai.

"Hyundai Motor has been driving the energy transition paradigm with our advanced fuel cell technologies. 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."

A proven track record of innovation

First introduced in 2020, Hyundai Motor's XCIENT Fuel Cell truck has been successfully deployed in commercial operations across eight countries worldwide, establishing a strong track record of real-world applications and technological reliability.

At last year's ACT Expo, Hyundai showcased the XCIENT Fuel Cell tractor, a commercialised Class 8 6x4 fuel cell electric model.

The model is powered by two 90kW hydrogen fuel cell systems and a 350kW e-motor, offering a driving range of more than 450 miles per charge even when fully loaded.

Plus' cutting-edge autonomous driving technology

Plus's SuperDrive solution is deployed across the US, Europe and Australia. The system utilises a combination of state-of-the-art sensors, including LiDAR, radar and cameras, to deliver comprehensive surround perception, planning, prediction and self-driving capabilities.

"We're thrilled to collaborate with Hyundai Motor Company on this important initiative to create more sustainable and safe transportation options," adds Shawn Kerrigan, COO and Co-Founder at Plus.

"A decarbonised future with autonomous hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks that also improve safety and efficiency is one that Plus is proud to support with our cutting-edge autonomous driving technology."

Paving the way for a sustainable future

The collaboration between Hyundai Motor and Plus represents a significant step forward in the quest for safer, more efficient and sustainable transportation solutions.

By combining Hyundai's expertise in fuel cell technology with Plus' advanced autonomous driving systems, this partnership is poised to impact the future of trucking substantially.

As the Level 4 autonomous XCIENT Fuel Cell truck continues its testing phase, the industry eagerly anticipates the potential benefits this innovative technology will bring to the road.

Hyundai and Plus' collaboration is not just a demonstration of technological prowess but a vision of the future of transportation: autonomous, sustainable and incredibly efficient.

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