Hyundai Claims First Level 4 Autonomous Hydrogen Truck

Hyundai reveals its hydrogen fuel cell-powered heavy-duty truck boasting Level 4 autonomous capability and targeting sales in North America.

Its Xcient Fuel Cell truck comes equipped with Plus SuperDrive autonomous driving technology and is undergoing initial driving assessments in the U.S., making it the first Level 4 self-driving test on a Class 8 fuel cell electric truck to take place in the country. The collaboration between the automaker and automated drive specialist Plus hopes to show that trucks of this type can be commercially viable while being safer and more sustainable.

Plus’s SuperDrive system is also being deployed in trials in Europe and Australia. It uses a full suite of sensors including lidar, radar and cameras.

Martin Zeilinger, executive vice-president and head of commercial vehicle development at Hyundai, says: “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’s industry-leading autonomous driving technology.”