In addition to integrating Plus’ SuperDrive autonomous driving system with Hyundai’s Xcient hydrogen fuel cell Class 8 truck, the companies presented a shared vision for accelerating a hydrogen-powered freight network in the United States. (Hyundai)
ANAHEIM, Calif. — Self-driving truck developer Plus and Hyundai Motor Co. highlighted their joint efforts to combine zero-emission trucks with autonomous transportation at the 2025 Advanced Clean Transportation Expo.
In addition to integrating Plus’ SuperDrive autonomous driving system with Hyundai’s Xcient hydrogen fuel cell Class 8 truck, the companies presented a shared vision for accelerating a hydrogen-powered freight network in the United States.
Hydrogen fuel cell trucks cost more than traditional diesel models, but autonomous driving capabilities could double the utilization of those zero-emission vehicles and improve the total cost of ownership calculation, said Shawn Kerrigan, chief operating officer at Plus.
“There’s a really strong strategic fit between these two technologies,” he said.
The technology developer and truck maker outlined a framework for deploying autonomous hydrogen fuel cell trucks along high-volume, hub-to-hub freight routes.
(Plus via YouTube)
Building on that initial deployment on major freight corridors, fuel cell truck operations could incrementally expand to new routes with strategically placed hydrogen refueling stations, which in turn could drive further infrastructure investment and adoption.
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“Hyundai Motor believes in a sustainable future powered by advanced fuel cell technologies,” said Jim Park, senior vice president of commercial vehicle and hydrogen business development at Hyundai Motor North America. “We hope to continue our partnership with Plus to add autonomous driving capabilities to Xcient Fuel Cell trucks in the future and provide our fleet operator customers with additional solutions that improve road safety and freight efficiency.”
David Liu, CEO and co-founder of Plus, added: “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.”
