Hyundai Motor has launched South America’s first hydrogen fuel cell truck fleet in Uruguay, deploying its Hyundai XCIENT Fuel Cell vehicles to support low-carbon timber logistics as part of a broader push to develop green hydrogen infrastructure.
The deployment includes six trucks for regular operations and two additional units for backup and potential expansion. The vehicles will be used in forestry logistics, with the main fleet expected to cover nearly one million kilometres annually, according to the company.
Hyundai said the initiative represents “South America’s first-ever fleet operation of hydrogen fuel cell electric heavy-duty trucks,” marking a milestone for zero-emission freight transport in the region.
The project, known as the Kahirós Project, is led by a consortium of Uruguayan companies including Ventus, Fraylog and Fidocar. It is supported by a $40 million investment from Santander Group, with additional backing from the International Finance Corporation and the United Nations Renewable Energy Innovation Fund.
As part of the initiative, developers are building a 4.8 MW solar park and an electrolysis facility designed to produce up to 77 tonnes of green hydrogen annually. Operations are scheduled to begin in November 2026.
The XCIENT Fuel Cell truck is equipped with a hydrogen fuel cell system delivering 180 kW, paired with a 350 kW electric motor. The system can store up to 68 kg of hydrogen and includes a 72 kWh battery. Under optimal conditions, the vehicle offers a driving range of up to 720 kilometres and is designed for heavy-duty applications with a gross combined weight of up to 82,000 lbs.
Hyundai highlighted the role of hydrogen-powered transport in reducing emissions from freight operations.
“Our Hyundai XCIENT trucks with hydrogen fuel cells supporting the Kahirós Project produce no tailpipe emissions and offer a lower-carbon alternative to traditional freight logistics methods,” said Airton Cousseau, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Brazil and the Central and South America region.
“We aim to contribute to building a sustainable and safe freight ecosystem through hydrogen-powered commercial vehicles,” added Chul Youn Park, Senior Vice President at Hyundai Motor.
