NZ's first hydrogen-powered truck, the Hyundai XCIENT, has successfully ticked more than 100,000km of commercial operations with NZ Post
This milestone marks a significant achievement in the journey towards zero-emission transport and logistics solutions, says Grant Doull, national manager of hydrogen and eco commercial vehicles at Hyundai New Zealand.
Introduced by Hyundai New Zealand in 2021, the XCIENT Fuel Cell heavy-duty truck has been in full commercial operation with NZ Post since 2023, making it the first truck of its kind to be put to the test here in New Zealand.
Hyundai says the 100,000km milestone demonstrates that hydrogen can be a reliable and efficient replacement to traditional diesel trucks with a longer range, shorter refuelling time and a greater payload.
“We are delighted that NZ Post saw the opportunity to invest in this zero-emission transport technology, showing their commitment to reducing emissions in the road freight sector,” says Grant.
NZ Post chief executive officer David Walsh echoed his sentiment, saying, “NZ Post was the first company in New Zealand to trial the hydrogen truck, which aligns with our approach of testing and adopting new technologies.”
NZ Post group sustainability manager, Dawn Baggaley, emphasised the importance of decarbonising their transport fleet: “NZ Post’s transport fleet accounts for around 45% of our emissions so therefore we are focussed on opportunities to decarbonise our transport fleet.
“Heavy transport plays a vital role in our economy, but it’s also a significant contributor to our national emissions so helping to reduce emissions within our road freight sector reflects NZ Post’s commitment to our people, our communities, and the environment.”
Hyundai’s global leadership in hydrogen fuel cell technology spans over 27 years, field-proven from real world operations of XCIENT Fuel Cell trucks deployed in 10 countries, including Switzerland, Germany, the US, South Korea, and now, New Zealand.
Hyundai New Zealand says it continues to lead in local hydrogen initiatives. They introduced the world’s first hydrogen passenger vehicle, NEXO, in 2018, and, more recently, they unveiled the Mighty Fuel Cell truck, New Zealand’s first light-duty hydrogen truck.
The expansion of the hydrogen range offers versatile and clean options suitable for a wide range of local transport needs in New Zealand.
Supporting New Zealand’s transport needs
Hyundai New Zealand says its partnership with Hiringa Energy and Halcyon supports these advanced vehicle deployments with green hydrogen and rapid refuelling.
In April this year, Kiwi company Hiringa Energy opened its hydrogen refuelling network in New Zealand, with an official ribbon-cutting taking place at Wiri in South Auckland. The Wiri hydrogen station is one of three North Island sites now operating, with another 21 sites in development across the country.
“Hiringa are delighted to see NZ Post reach 100,000km in their Hyundai XCIENT fuel cell truck, this is a perfect example of New Zealand companies working together to create real change and removing carbon emissions from the supply chain,” Hiringa CEO Andy Clennett says.
NZ Post’s XCIENT hydrogen-powered truck facts
Distance (kilometres): 100,000
Diesel eliminated (litres): 41,667
CO2kg (1L = 2.68kg): 111,667
CO2t (1L = 2.68kg): 111.7
* Replaced a truck using 1.0l/2.4km