A project with eight Hyundai XCIENT Fuel Cell trucks makes its debut in wood transportation, banking on green hydrogen and transforming Uruguay into a regional showcase for low-emission logistics.
Hyundai Motor has announced the entry into service of a fleet of eight XCIENT Fuel Cell trucks in Uruguay, marking the first regular operation in South America of heavy-duty trucks powered by hydrogen fuel cells.
The initiative is part of Kahiros Projectcreated to decarbonize wood logistics in the country and accelerate the adoption of zero tailpipe emissions transport solutions.
This movement places Uruguay in a strategic position in the new race for clean fuels for freight transport. The country appears to be favorable territory for this type of operation, having produced 99% of its electricity from renewable sources in 2024, according to data cited by official and sectoral sources.
Concretely, the project provides a complete infrastructure to support operations. In addition to trucks, Kahirós includes a 4.8 MW solar park and an electrolysis unit capable of producing 77 tons of green hydrogen per year. The start of operations is planned for November 2026.
Hyundai said six trucks will make up the main fleet, while two others will serve as backup and support for future expansions. In normal operation, the six main vehicles should cover together nearly a million kilometers per year, in an application dedicated to the logistics chain of the forestry and paper sector.
The total investment in the Kahirós Project amounts to $40 million, 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 brings together Ventus, Fraylog and Fidocar, distributor of Hyundai in Uruguay.
On a technical level, the Hyundai XCIENT Fuel Cell is equipped with two 90 kW fuel cells, totaling 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 distributed in 10 tanks, uses a 72 kWh battery and can reach up to 720 km of autonomy in ideal conditions.
Beyond a regional first, the operation in Uruguay serves as a real large-scale 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 Europe and North America. For the regional transport sector, the message is clear: hydrogen is starting to move from promise to a reality on the roads.
Source and images: Hyundai Motor. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
