Hyundai's hydrogen-powered XCIENT test fleet surpasses 1 million kilometre milestone

Hyundai’s 2021 XCIENT Fuel Cell truck. Image: Hyundai

Hyundai has been testing hydrogen fuel cell technology for many years across all forms of transport from the Nexo passenger car we recently reviewed, to heavy vehicles. While we believe that battery electric passenger vehicles are superior to hydrogen fuel cell vehicles in the long term, hydrogen may play an increasingly larger role in transport and logistics.

Hyundai's fleet of XCIENT Fuel Cell trucks has collectively exceeded 1 million kilometres of driving in 11 months of service in Switzerland. During that time, the fleet has reduced CO2 emissions by over an estimated 630 tons when compared to diesel-powered vehicles according to the automaker. The 46 trucks in the fleet have been in the service of 25 Swiss companies in logistics, distribution, and supermarket fulfillment. 

 “Swiss transport and logistics companies are convinced that hydrogen fuel cell commercial vehicles have the greatest potential among various alternative energy vehicles. The member companies do not stop at simply introducing hydrogen fuel cell trucks. They have high expectations for the hydrogen energy source that holds great potential for the future and believe that hydrogen will be the key for transitioning to eco-friendly energy,” Jörg Ackermann, Chairman of the H2 Mobility Switzerland Association said. “Specifically, the biggest advantage of hydrogen energy is its excellent storability. This suggests that hydrogen will play an important role in the era of eco-friendly energy. Many distribution companies are already experiencing the benefits directly by using the XCIENT fuel cell trucks, and I think that if summer operation is completed successfully, the demand for the XCIENT fuel cell trucks will increase even more."

XCIENT is available in a 4x2 or 6x2 rigid body configurations.

 The XCIENT range was launched in 2019, and the 2021 model features revised styling and performance improvements. The XCIENT is available in a 4x2 or 6x2 rigid body configuration. A total of 140 units of the 2021 model will be shipped to Switzerland by the end of this year, with 1,600 planned by 2025.

 It’s worth noting that the European Parliament has backed low-carbon hydrogen and plans to significantly increase production over the coming decade but at this stage, there is still limited hydrogen production, storage and refueling capability in the EU. Hyundai Hydrogen Mobility (HHM) leases the XCIENT Fuel Cell trucks to commercial truck operators on a pay-per-use basis which includes the hydrogen supply as well. The benefit for commercial fleet customers is that there is no initial investment.

Hyundai Motor Company has set an annual sales goal of 110,000 fuel cell electric vehicles worldwide by 2025, under its ‘Strategy 2025’ plan. Meanwhile, the wider Hyundai Motor Group plans to ramp up production capacity for hydrogen-powered vehicles to 500,000 units by 2030.

We certainly welcome the decarbonisation of the transportation sector, but would like to see Hyundai developing its battery technology systems to integrate with its rigid body trucks.

Kia EV4 spied: Small electric SUV to sit below EV6 when launched in 2022

Kia’s EV4 caught testing. Image: Korean Car Blog

The Korean Car Blog brings us some exclusive images of Kia’s second Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP)-based electric vehicle, caught testing in South Korea.

The EV4 is a Seltos/Soul-sized crossover—think 2,600mm wheelbase and 4,300mm length—and is expected to launch sometime in 2022. Not much is known about the specifications or features, but from what we can see from this test vehicle, the EV4 is a more conventional compact SUV shape than Kia’s EV6 or Hyundai’s IONIQ 5. A couple of EV6 design cues appear to be present: the broad C-pillar with its distinctive 45-degree line, as well as the high-set full-length rear LED light assembly.

The EV4 is just part of Kia’s plans for EV domination: CEO Ho Sung Song announced a plan to release 11 fully electrified vehicles by 2025, and for EVs to make up 25 per cent of the company’s global sales by 2029.

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Kia plans 11 EVs by 2025. Image: Kia

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Kia’s EV4 at the brand’s recent product showcase. Image: Kia

While Kia’s debut E-GMP models are both crossovers, expect the full gamut of vehicle styles and sizes to launch by 2025, including compact, full-size sedan and SUV, and even commercial vehicles. Kia has not forgotten about charging either; Hyundai Motor Group has commenced the rollout of its own 800 V DC fast-charging network in South Korea dubbed E-PIT, and has partnered with IONITY to provide DC fast-charging for customers in Europe. We can expect further deals across Asia and the Americas soon.

Source: Korean Car Blog

JLR has big plans for 2025 with six EV Land Rovers, all EV Jaguar range

Jaguar land rover commits to all-electric future; fully electrified Jaguar Range by 2025 and progressive roll out of land rover BEVs

Jaguar Land Rover is racing headlong into an all-electric future, with plans revealed to scrap all combustion engine Jaguar models from the line up by 2025. In addition, the company plans to launch six all-electric Land Rover/Range Rover models by the same year.

Jaguar represents the epitome of British tradition, and has often been accused of struggling to evolve with the times. The company suffered from a COVID-19 related sales decline in 2020, delivering 23.9% fewer units than 2019 . This new global strategy, referred to as “Reimagine” by Jaguar is a firm response to the EU block’s stringent CO2 and greenhouse gas reduction targets over the coming decade.

Jaguar’s I-Pace has been a sales success for the company

Under the leadership of Chief Executive Officer Thierry Bolloré, the Tata Group-owned Land Rover and Jaguar brands will rely on two separate electric architectures with two clear, unique personalities. The first all-electric Land Rover will arrive in 2024, with diesel engines likely to be phased out completely by 2026. Jaguar’s Model line up will be completely electrified by 2025. Although it’s not yet known which models will comprise this line up, Jaguar has confirmed the nearly complete electric XJ has been scrapped.

Jaguar Land Rover CEO Thierry Bolloré.

Jaguar’s I-Pace has been a relative success for the company, selling 7,807 units worldwide in Q4 2020. The I-Pace’s unconventional styling likely hints at the future of Jaguar’s line up: heavily skewed towards profitable SUVs, with a sport-oriented aesthetic and smart packaging.

Land Rover will use the forthcoming flex Modular Longitudinal Architecture (MLA). It will deliver electrified internal combustion engines and full electric variants as the company evolves its product line-up in the future. In addition, Land Rover will also use pure electric biased Electric Modular Architecture (EMA) which will also support advanced hybrid vehicles.

Land Rover’s Defender PHEV will eventually be joined by an all electric variant

Jaguar Land Rover will retain its plant and assembly facilities in the home UK market and around the world. As well as being the manufacturer of the MLA architecture, Solihull, West Midlands will also be the home to the future advanced Jaguar pure electric platform.

Jaguar Land Rover is aiming to achieve net zero carbon emissions across its supply chain, products and operations by 2039. The company is also carrying out research in fuel-cell powertrains, as many global economies look toward hydrogen. Jaguar claims fuel cell powered prototypes will be on UK roads within the next 12 months. Jaguar Land Rover plans to spend circa £2.5bn annually in electrification technologies and the development of connected services and technology.

Jaguar currently offers one all electric I-Pace model, plus hybrid versions of the F-Pace and E-Pace.