Hyundai Motor Company and autonomous driving software leader Plus have unveiled the first Level 4 autonomous Class 8 hydrogen fuel cell electric truck in the USA at the Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo.
The collaborative effort between Hyundai and aims to demonstrate the benefits of integrating Level 4 autonomous driving technology into hydrogen fuel cell trucks, potentially revolutionising the trucking industry by enhancing safety, efficiency, and sustainability.
Martin Zeilinger, Executive Vice President and Head of Commercial Vehicle Development at Hyundai, stated, “We are excited to showcase our collaboration with Plus to test Level 4 autonomous driving technology with our Class 8 XCIENT Fuel Cell truck. 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.”
The XCIENT Fuel Cell truck, first introduced in 2020, has already proven its technological reliability through commercial operations in eight countries. The Level 4 autonomous version is equipped with Plus’s SuperDrive system, which uses LiDAR, radar, and cameras to offer advanced self-driving capabilities, the company shared.
Shawn Kerrigan, COO and Co-Founder at Plus, added, “We are thrilled to collaborate with Hyundai Motor Company on this important initiative to create more sustainable and safe transportation options. A decarbonized 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”.
The new truck is on display at the Plus ACT Expo booth (#2044), showcasing its advanced features and the potential impact on the future of transportation.