An eight-truck project from Hyundai
Hyundai Motor announced the start of operations of a fleet of eight XCIENT Fuel Cell trucks in Uruguay, marking the first regular operation in South America with heavy-duty trucks powered by hydrogen fuel cells.
The initiative is part of Kahirós projectcreated to decarbonize timber logistics in the country and accelerate the adoption of zero-tailpipe emissions transportation solutions.
This move places Uruguay in a strategic position in the new race for clean fuels for freight transport. The country is considered favorable ground for this type of operation, as in 2024 it generated 99% of its electricity from renewable sources, according to data cited by official and industry sources.
In practice, the project provides a complete infrastructure to support operations. In addition to the trucks, Kahirós includes a 4.8 MW solar park and an electrolysis plant capable of producing 77 tons of green hydrogen per year. Operations are scheduled to begin in November 2026.
Hyundai said six trucks will make up the main fleet, while another two will serve as backup and support for future expansion. Under normal operating conditions, the six main vehicles are expected to travel a total of almost 1 million kilometers per year, operating in the logistics chain of the forestry and paper industry.
The total investment in the Kahirós Project amounts to 40 million dollars, with the participation of the Santander group and the support of the International Finance Corporation (World Bank), as well as the United Nations Renewable Energy Innovation Fund. The local consortium includes Ventus, Fraylog and Fidocar, Hyundai distributor in Uruguay.
From a technical point of view, the Hyundai XCIENT Fuel Cell it is equipped with two fuel cell stacks of 90 kW each, for a total of 180 kW, as well as a 350 kW electric motor, equivalent to 469 HP, with a torque of 2,237 Nm. The truck also carries 68 kg of hydrogen in 10 tanks, uses a 72 kWh battery and can achieve a range of up to 720 km in ideal conditions.
More than a regional first, the operation in Uruguay represents a large-scale real-world test for the use of hydrogen trucks in South America. For Hyundai, the project strengthens the global expansion of the ecosystem XCIENT Fuel Cellalready developed in the European and North American markets. For the region’s transportation sector, the message is clear: hydrogen is going from promise to reality on the roads.
Source and images: Hyundai Motor. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
