Hyundai hydrogen-powered truck hits 100,000km milestone for NZ Post

New Zealand’s first hydrogen-powered truck, the Hyundai XCIENT, has ticked over 100,000km of commercial operations with NZ Post.

NZ Post has had the XCIENT Fuel Cell heavy-duty truck in full commercial operations since 2023, making it the first truck of its kind to be put to the test in New Zealand.

Hyundai says the 100,000km milestone demonstrates that hydrogen can be a reliable and efficient replacement to traditional diesel trucks with a longer range, shorter refuelling time and a greater payload.

Grant Doull, National Manager of Hydrogen and Eco Commercial Vehicles at Hyundai New Zealand, stated: “We are delighted that NZ Post saw the opportunity to invest in this zero-emission transport technology, showing their commitment to reducing emissions in the road freight sector. The 100,000km milestone marks another significant step in our journey towards zero-emission transport and logistics solutions.”

NZ Post chief executive officer David Walsh said that it’s a significant milestone and one he’s proud of.

“NZ Post was the first company in New Zealand to trial the hydrogen truck, which aligns with our approach of testing and adopting new technologies,” Mr Walsh said.

Hyundai's global leadership in hydrogen fuel cell technology spans over 27 years, field-proven from real world operations of XCIENT Fuel Cell trucks deployed in ten countries including Switzerland, Germany, the U.S, South Korea and now, New Zealand.

Hyundai New Zealand introduced the world’s first hydrogen passenger vehicle, NEXO, in 2018. More recently, they unveiled the Mighty Fuel Cell truck, New Zealand's first light-duty hydrogen truck.

The expansion of the hydrogen range offers versatile and clean options suitable for a wide range of local transport needs in New Zealand.

As Hyundai looks to the future, zero-emissions mobility will play a significant role in the company’s strategy.

Hyundai New Zealand’s partnership with Hiringa Energy and Halcyon supports these advanced vehicle deployments with green hydrogen and rapid refueling, ultimately meeting the needs of the country.

In April this year Kiwi company Hiringa Energy opened its hydrogen refuelling network in New Zealand – with an official ribbon cutting taking place at Wiri in South Auckland. The Wiri hydrogen station is one of three North Island sites now operating, with another 21 sites in development across the country.

We understand that Hyundai has and XCIENT on its way to Australia for evaluation. We'll keep you posted.

NZ Post’s XCIENT hydrogen-powered truck facts:
Distance (kilometres) 100,000
Diesel eliminated (litres) 41,667
CO2kg (1Ltr = 2.68kg) 111,667
CO2t (1Ltr = 2.68kg) 111.7