H2 Technology
Fuel cell technology
In the fuel cell, hydrogen reacts with oxygen from the air. This produces water, electricity and heat. This electrochemical reaction is also known as “cold combustion” and is particularly efficient.
In the XCIENT Fuel Cell, Hyundai relies on the proven fuel cells of the Hyundai Nexo, whereby two units are installed in parallel in the truck, with an output of 2 x 90 kW. Combined with the high-voltage battery, the drive unit offers enough power to drive the hydrogen-electric truck fully loaded – with the 6×2 chassis up to 42 tonnes – comfortably and fuel-efficiently.
From water to water – a perfect cycle
The production of 100% green hydrogen is possible thanks to the carbon dioxide-free process: in a transformer, the electricity generated from hydropower is reduced to a voltage of 400 volts and converted into direct current. Demineralised drinking water is then split into hydrogen and oxygen using renewable electricity.
This hydrogen is compressed to 350 bar using a compressor and pumped into swap bodies. After these are brought to the refuelling station, hydrogen vehicles can be refuelled. As these only emit water, the cycle is closed.
Hydrogen production in Switzerland
HydroSpider AG – a company owned by H2 Energy, ALPIQ and Linde – has been producing green hydrogen in Niedergösgen since 2020. Wasserstoff-Produktion Ostschweiz AG – a joint venture between SAK (St.Gallisch-Appenzellische Kraftwerke AG), the Osterwalder Group and SN Erneuerbare Energie AG (SNEE) – started producing green hydrogen in Kubel (SG) at the beginning of 2023. The first production plant in western Switzerland – in Schiffenen – was inaugurated at the end of 2023. Further production facilities are already under construction or in the planning stage.