Hyundai Motor Co. partners with Plus to develop autonomous hydrogen fuel cell trucks; companies showcase deployment framework at Advanced Clean Transportation Expo 2025 in Anaheim

May 8, 2025 (Transport Dive) –

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Hyundai Motor Co. and autonomous technology firm Plus believe their collaboration can expedite deployment of self-driving hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks.

The companies have a vision for an autonomous hydrogen freight “ecosystem” with Hyundai's XCIENT Fuel Cell truck at the core, according to an April 29 press release.

Hyundai’s Class 8 fuel cell electric truck, paired with Plus’ AI-based “SuperDrive” autonomous driving system, can be a “scalable and cost-effective solution to long-haul freight that aims to reduce the carbon footprint of commercial transportation,” according to the release.

Hyundai and Plus debuted their self-driving Class 8 fuel cell electric truck last May during the Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo. That’s when the companies also announced the vehicle’s initial testing would be conducted on a closed course in California .

“By adding autonomous capabilities to our world’s first mass-produced hydrogen-powered XCIENT Fuel Cell truck, Hyundai is looking forward to providing fleets and vehicle operators additional solutions that enhance road safety and freight efficiencies thanks to Plus’ industry-leading autonomous driving technology,” Martin Zeilinger , EVP and head of commercial vehicle development at Hyundai, said when the vehicle debuted last year.

During April’s Advanced Clean Transportation Expo 2025 in Anaheim, California , Hyundai and Plus screened a concept video outlining a “practical framework” for full-scale deployment of the self-driving hydrogen fuel cell trucks. The two companies seek to spark interest by operating the trucks on major shipping corridors while incrementally expanding routes and hydrogen-powered freight infrastructure.

“Over time, this blueprint envisions a self-reinforcing cycle of vehicle adoption, infrastructure development and lower operational costs per unit,” the companies said in a statement.

“Autonomous hydrogen fuel cell trucks are a transformative step forward in sustainable freight,” David Liu , CEO and co-founder of Plus, said in the April announcement. “By combining self-driving and zero-tailpipe emission technologies, we are laying the groundwork for a cleaner, more efficient transportation system that meets the demands of today and the needs of tomorrow,” he said.

As autonomous vehicle technology continues to advance, competition between companies developing self-driving freight may also heat up.

On May 1 , Aurora Innovation announced the successful launch of a self-driving trucking service on public roads between Houston and Dallas . The company, which installs its self-driving system in existing vehicles, is utilizing traditional diesel-powered trucks.

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