Hyundai Motor Company and autonomous driving technology firm Plus have announced a groundbreaking partnership aimed at transforming long-haul freight transportation in the United States. The two companies revealed their pioneering concept for a hydrogen-powered, autonomous freight network at the Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo 2025 in Anaheim, California. The innovative initiative integrates Hyundai’s hydrogen fuel cell technology with Plus’s advanced autonomous driving software to create a scalable, zero-emission solution for freight operations.
The concept features Hyundai’s XCIENT Fuel Cell truck, which is equipped with Plus’s SuperDrive™ autonomous software. Together, these technologies aim to revolutionize long-haul freight by enhancing efficiency, road safety, and sustainability. The trucks, powered by hydrogen fuel cells, will be capable of long-range, zero-tailpipe emission travel, providing significant environmental benefits while maintaining high performance and reliability.
Hyundai and Plus envision a practical roadmap for rolling out autonomous hydrogen fuel cell trucks along major freight corridors, starting with high-traffic hub-to-hub routes. This phased approach will drive demand for strategically located hydrogen refueling stations and expand the network as it scales. As the infrastructure grows, the network will support a fleet of autonomous trucks, further promoting the use of hydrogen-powered vehicles across the freight sector.
The partnership aims to create a self-sustaining cycle in which each new route enhances network efficiency, reducing operating costs and improving economic feasibility. This model also promises long-term benefits, including reduced carbon emissions, rapid refueling times, quieter vehicle operation, and lower maintenance costs. These attributes make Hyundai’s XCIENT Fuel Cell truck an ideal candidate for continuous, long-haul operations, especially as hydrogen infrastructure continues to expand in the U.S.
Hyundai Motor is already advancing hydrogen transportation in the U.S. The company currently operates a fleet of 30 XCIENT Fuel Cell trucks at the Ports of Oakland and Richmond, which together represent North America’s largest hydrogen truck deployment. Since September 2023, these trucks have collectively covered nearly 450,000 miles in zero-emission freight transport. Additionally, 21 XCIENT trucks are in operation at Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America in Georgia, with plans to expand this hydrogen initiative globally.
Jim Park, Senior Vice President of Commercial Vehicle and Hydrogen Business Development at Hyundai Motor North America, expressed his enthusiasm about the future of this collaboration: “We hope to continue our partnership with Plus to add autonomous driving capabilities to XCIENT Fuel Cell trucks in the future and provide our fleet operator customers with additional solutions that improve road safety and freight efficiency.”
David Liu, CEO and Co-Founder of Plus, highlighted the significance of the project: “Autonomous hydrogen fuel cell trucks are a transformative step forward in sustainable freight. By combining self-driving and zero-tailpipe emission technologies, we are laying the groundwork for a cleaner, more efficient transportation system.”