Hyundai Motor Company has unveiled its NorCAL ZERO Project, an initiative in the US aimed at bringing zero-emission freight transportation to the San Francisco Bay Area and California’s Central Valley using hydrogen fuel cell technology. The project is expected to reduce carbon emissions by over 24,000 metric tons in the US.
As part of the initiative, Hyundai has deployed 30 Class 8 XCIENT Fuel Cell trucks with a 6×4 drive axle configuration in California, which have been in commercial operation since 2023. This deployment represents the largest commercial deployment of Class 8 hydrogen-powered fuel cell electric trucks in the US.
Hyundai views hydrogen as a clean energy solution for commercial vehicles and is leading efforts to expand its use for port decarbonization in the US. A dedication event for the project was held at Oakland’s FirstElement Fuel Hydrogen Refueling Station.
Ken Ramirez, Executive Vice President and Head of Global Commercial Vehicle & Hydrogen Business at Hyundai Motor Company, stated, “The NorCAL ZERO Project in Oakland marks a significant step forward in realizing Hyundai’s vision for a global hydrogen society. The project demonstrates how the transport energy transition is achievable today and will serve as one of the building blocks for Hyundai’s port decarbonization initiatives worldwide.”
