Hydrogen fuel cell heavy-duty trucks are going global, and South America just joined the fleet.
Hyundai Motor recently announced the deployment of eight XCIENT Fuel Cell Class-8 trucks in Uruguay, marking South America's first-ever fleet operation of hydrogen-powered heavy-duty trucks. The fleet is part of the Kahirós Project, a green hydrogen logistics initiative focused on decarbonizing timber transport in Uruguay.
“At Hyundai, we are committed to creating sustainable transportation solutions,” said Airton Cousseau, President & CEO of Hyundai Motor Brazil and Hyundai Motor Central and South America Region (H2FCP Board Member). “Our Hyundai XCIENT trucks with hydrogen fuel cells supporting the Kahirós Project produce no tailpipe emissions and offer a lower-carbon alternative to traditional freight logistics methods. We will help decarbonize a critical part of the paper production value chain and demonstrate to the world that we can take action for a better future starting now.”
The project is backed by a $40 million investment from Santander Group, with support from the International Finance Corporation of the World Bank and the United Nations' Renewable Energy Innovation Fund. Infrastructure includes a 4.8 MW solar park and an electrolysis plant designed to produce 77 tons of green hydrogen annually. Operations are planned to begin in November 2026.
Uruguay's grid context matters here: the country generated 99 percent of its electricity from renewable sources in 2024, according to Uruguay's Ministry of Industry, Energy, and Mining. That makes green hydrogen production at scale viable.
Uruguay is the first country in South America to adopt hydrogen-powered heavy-duty trucks for regular operations, paving the way for local hydrogen production and refueling infrastructure. This milestone sets a new benchmark for sustainable logistics across Central and South America and demonstrates Hyundai Motor’s commitment to providing practical solutions for decarbonization.
The XCIENT platform itself is well-proven, with 63 trucks operating in North America, collectively surpassing 1.6 million kilometers since their 2023 regional debut. The European fleet of 165 trucks has traveled more than 20 million kilometers across Switzerland, Germany, France, the Netherlands, and Austria. The six primary trucks in Uruguay are expected to travel nearly one million kilometers per year combined, with two additional units on standby.
We’re proud to collaborate with Hyundai (Board Member) as we work together to build the hydrogen future. There’s never been a better time to join the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Partnership - explore member benefits and opportunities today!
