Hyundai Infracore engaged in development of hydrogen-engine truck

Hyundai Motor’s hydrogen electric heavy-duty truck, XCIENT. [Courtesy of Hyundai Motor]

South Korea’s HD Hyundai Infracore Co., a manufacturer of construction equipment and engine, is poised to target the future automotive industry by developing hydrogen-engine vehicles.

According to multiple industry sources on Wednesday, HD Hyundai Infracore plans to release a truck loaded with a hydrogen-combustion engine in 2025 jointly with Tata Daewoo Commercial Vehicle, a truck maker that spun off from Daewoo Motors and was acquired by Tata Motors Ltd. in 2004.

Since 2020, HD Hyundai Infracore has been engaged in the examination of the viability of manufacturing a hydrogen-powered engine tailored for commercial vehicles.

In May last year, the company was designated as the principal entity for a national project and commenced comprehensive research efforts.

If validation of the hydrogen engine truck’s performance proves successful next year, the company intends to bring it into the commercial market by 2025.

Hydrogen-powered vehicles work similarly to internal combustion vehicles but are fueled by hydrogen to be free of carbon emissions in use. They boast advantages compared with other environmentally friendly vehicles, such as electric vehicles (EVs).

A report published by McKinsey & Co. found that hydrogen serves as a more proper fuel for larger-sized vehicles, such as trucks and buses, compared with electricity because hydrogen has a higher density of energy than electricity, resulting in a longer driving distance.

Hydrogen is also highly competitive in price.

German automotive technology startup KEYOU calculated the ownership costs of trucks with various types of engines while assuming a driving distance of 1 million kilometers.

The ownership cost is the sum of the purchasing price and maintenance cost for one vehicle.

Among the options, diesel engines proved to be the most economical. Hydrogen engines followed as the second-most cost-effective option, with a marginal increase of 5 percent compared to diesel engines. Batteries and hydrogen fuel cells incurred higher costs, 34 percent and 71 percent more than hydrogen engines, respectively.

Among green energy sources, hydrogen engines are expected to boast the lowest prices for automotive parts. The projected cost for hydrogen engines designed for heavy-duty trucks is projected at 60~70 million won ($45,521~$53,108) while a comparable battery-hydrogen fuel cell system carries a price tag of several hundred millions of won.