A project with eight Hyundai XCIENT Fuel Cell trucks debuts in timber transport, betting on green hydrogen and turning Uruguay into a regional showcase for low-emission logistics.
Hyundai Motor announced the start of operations of a fleet of eight XCIENT Fuel Cell trucks in Uruguay, marking South America’s first regular operation of heavy-duty trucks powered by hydrogen fuel cells.
The initiative is part of the Kahirós Projectcreated to decarbonize the country’s timber logistics and accelerate the adoption of zero tailpipe emission transport solutions.
The move places Uruguay in a strategic position within the new race for clean fuels in freight transport. The country is seen as a favorable ground for this type of operation, as it generated 99% of its electricity from renewable sources in 2024, according to data cited by official and industry sources.
In practice, the project includes 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 stated that six trucks will form the main fleet, while two additional units will serve as backup and support for future expansion. Under normal operation, the six main vehicles are expected to collectively cover nearly 1 million kilometers per year, serving the logistics chain of the forestry and paper sector.
Total investment in the Kahirós Project amounts to US$40 million, with participation from Santander Group and support from 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’s distributor in Uruguay.
On the technical side, the Hyundai XCIENT Fuel Cell features two 90 kW fuel cell stacks, totaling 180 kW, along with a 350 kW electric motor, equivalent to 469 hp, delivering 2,237 Nm of torque. The truck also carries 68 kg of hydrogen in 10 tanks, uses a 72 kWh battery, and can reach up to 720 km of range under ideal conditions.
More than a regional debut, the operation in Uruguay serves as a real-world scalability test for hydrogen trucks in South America. For Hyundai, the project reinforces the global expansion of the XCIENT Fuel Cell ecosystem, which has already been developed in markets across Europe and North America. For the region’s transport sector, the message is clear: hydrogen is beginning to move from promise to reality on the road.
Source and images: Hyundai Motor. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
