Hyundai Motor Company announced Friday the delivery of eight Xcient Fuel Cell hydrogen-powered trucks to Uruguay. These trucks will be integral to the Kahiros project, a groundbreaking green logistics initiative focused on decarbonizing Uruguay’s timber transportation sector.
The Kahiros project, a collaborative effort led by the Kahiros consortium, is slated to commence full-scale operations in the second half of 2026.
Hyundai’s Xcient Fuel Cell truck, a robust 37.2-ton tractor model, boasts a powerful 180-kilowatt hydrogen fuel cell system paired with a 350-kilowatt electric motor. With a hydrogen storage capacity of up to 68 kilograms distributed across 10 tanks, this truck achieves an impressive range of up to 720 kilometers on a single fueling, facilitating long-haul transportation with zero tailpipe emissions.
Upon the project’s launch, six of the Xcient Fuel Cell trucks will be actively engaged in timber transport, anticipating a combined annual driving distance of approximately 1 million kilometers. The remaining two trucks are reserved for potential integration as transportation demands grow.
Beyond vehicle deployment, Hyundai has completed the construction of a 4.8-megawatt solar power plant to support the project’s energy needs. Furthermore, they are actively constructing a water electrolysis facility capable of producing 77 metric tons of hydrogen per year, alongside a dedicated hydrogen refueling station.
This ambitious $40 million project is backed by a consortium of three Uruguayan companies. Banco Santander, Spain’s largest bank, serves as the primary investor, with further financial support from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) of the World Bank Group and the UN Renewable Energy Innovation Fund.
Hyundai stated that the Kahiros project will solidify its position as a leader in eco-friendly mobility solutions while simultaneously expanding its presence in the Latin American market for zero-emission commercial vehicles.
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