HDC-6 Neptune: The hydrogen-powered fuel cell heavy duty electric truck with futuristic design and function
Hyundai Motor, along with H2 Energy, will sell 1,600 fuel-cell commercial trucks in Switzerland between 2019-2023. The debut of its latest electric truck yundai Motor Company’s HDC-6 NEPTUNE, the hydrogen-powered fuel cell heavy duty electric truck with futuristic design, was a scene stealer when it debuted at the North American Commercial Vehicle Show in Atlanta in October 2019.
It has a catchy name which Hyundai says was taken from the Roman God of the seas, Neptune, symbolizing the hydrogen powered natural elements of the sea—the largest potential source of hydrogen fuel on earth.
With sleek design taken from the streamliner railway trainsets of the 1930s with Art Deco function-driven style which pioneering
Hyundai Motor Company’s HDC-6 NEPTUNE, the hydrogen-powered fuel cell heavy duty electric truck with futuristic design, was a scene stealer when it debuted at the North American Commercial Vehicle Show in Atlanta in October 2019.
It has a catchy name which Hyundai says was taken from the Roman God of the seas, Neptune, symbolizing the hydrogen powered natural elements of the sea—the largest potential source of hydrogen fuel on earth.
With sleek design taken from the streamliner railway trainsets of the 1930s with Art Deco function-driven style which pioneering
20th century industrial designer Henry Dreyfuss applied in his design for the New York Central Railroad at the time, this zero carbon emission fuel cell truck also embodies the future with aerodynamic wheel covers and a seemingly robotic vibe, looking bold and iconic at the same time.
HDC-6 NEPTUNE employs this inspired function driven design, with new ways to combine both form and function to create an entirely unique new solution within the commercial vehicle industry, while offering a holistic global approach.
“The fuel cell powertrain gave us the opportunity to redefine the classical typology & architecture of the truck. The Hyundai Commercial Vehicles Design Team started with a white sheet of paper focusing on the new defined functionality resetting all standards in order to project commercial vehicles in the future,” said Luc Donckerwolke, Chief Design Officer of Hyundai Motor
Group.
HDC-6 NEPTUNE’s unique construction, fuel cell system and advanced in-cab technology and modern design stirred up curiosity among major companies looking for sustainable vehicles.
“We have cemented the fuel cell technology leadership position in the passenger vehicle sector with the world’s first commercially produced fuel cell EV and the second generation fuel cell EV, the NEXO,” said Edward Lee, Head of Commercial Vehicle Business Division at Hyundai Motor Company.
“With the introduction of HDC-6 NEPTUNE, in addition to the road proven Xcient fuel cell truck, we expand our technology leadership into the commercial vehicle sector by unveiling our vision of how fuel cell electric trucks can resolve the environmental equations of widely used commercial vehicles and our commitment to create a decarbonized society.”
Hyundai said the concept continues the company’s leadership in moving to a decarbonized society and the advancement of zero- emission vehicles and noted that the future truck will add to their success in commercial vehicles, which are already sold in 130 countries around the world.
Leading the fuel cell technology industry
Hyundai is a global leader in fuel cell technology. In 2013, it launched the first mass-produced and commercially available fuel cell electric vehicle. In 2018, it launched the dedicated FCEV, NEXO.
In December 2018, Hyundai invested USD 6.4 billion to accelerate the development of a hydrogen society, looking
beyond passenger vehicles. And in 2019, the company announced key investments into three hydrogen companies – Impact Coatings, H2Pro and GRZ Technologies – to strengthen its leadership position in the global hydrogen fuel cell ecosystem.
The strategic investments come at a time of heightened demand for fuel cell technology. The collaboration with industry leading players will enable Hyundai to expand its hydrogen infrastructure and enhance the efficiency of its fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) manufacturing.
“Our investment in these innovative companies will reduce the production cost of FCEVs and enhance the safety and affordability of hydrogen infrastructure,” said Youngcho Chi, President and Chief Innovation Officer at Hyundai Motor Group. “We hope to accelerate the widespread adoption of hydrogen technology by making FCEVs more accessible for our customers.”
Impact Coatings AB is a leading supplier of PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) based coating solutions for fuel cells, offering coating materials, machines, and services. The Swedish company’s ceramic coatings are cost-efficient substitutes for precious metals used in fuel cell production. Under the new joint development agreement, Hyundai and Impact Coatings will jointly research and develop a new generation of materials, processes and equipment for a variety of applications, including fuel cells and hydrogen production.
H2Pro is an Israeli startup that developed the E-TAC (electrochemical, thermally active chemical) water splitting technology, which is efficient, affordable, and safe. H2Pro’s technology will allow Hyundai to lower the cost of hydrogen production, which will in turn reduce the price of hydrogen for customers. This marks Hyundai’s second investment into the startup since Hyundai CRADLE Tel Aviv first announced the partnership in November 2018.
GRZ Technologies is a company based in Switzerland specializing in energy storage in hydrogen form. Its technology stores hydrogen more safely at lower pressure with higher density, while its proprietary compression technology is also more affordable. Hyundai’s agreement with GRZ will accelerate the company’s efforts to commercialize hydrogen infrastructure for greater accessibility to customers.
The HT Nitro ThermoTech
At the North American Commercial Vehicle Show in Atlanta, Hyundai Translead (HT) also unveiled its eco-friendly, high-performance refrigerated concept trailer solution, the HT Nitro ThermoTech. The tractor-trailer combination provides a window into the future of the transportation in the US and around the world.
Hyundai says the HT Nitro ThermoTech concept trailer provides a response to the rising challenges of clean transportation:
reducing greenhouse gases and dependence on fossil fuels while maintaining competitiveness.
The HT Nitro ThermoTech concept trailer is optimal for transporting cold chain products. Temperatures are reduced more quickly than a traditional refrigeration unit and maintained with precise control of desired temperatures.
Its intelligent control system and independent cooling power maximize thermal efficiency. It is not affected by outside temperatures and maximum power is always available, even when the truck’s engine is off or idling.
The HT Nitro ThermoTech concept trailer cooling unit is virtually noiseless which significantly reduces noise pollution for drivers as well as at the point of deliveries. This is a significant advantage for night-time deliveries in urban and suburban neighborhoods where noise can be distracting.
“This refrigerated trailer concept represents a significant advancement in our continued commitment to corporate social responsibility. By developing innovative technology, Hyundai Translead is helping address climate change. HT Nitro ThermoTech reduces pollutants and emissions while providing reliable and effective cold chain food transportation,” said Bongjae Lee, Chief Executive Officer of Hyundai Translead.
Headquartered in Seoul, Hyundai Motor Company was established in 1967 in South Korea. It is the third largest vehicle manufacturer in the world with more than 4.5 million vehicles sold globally. The company is under the umbrella of Hyundai Group which also includes Kia Motors and Genesis Motor.
