• Hyundai XCIENT Fuel Cell, New Zealand’s first hydrogen-powered truck, has reached 100,000km of commercial operations with NZ Post.
• This 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. 
• Hyundai’s hydrogen-powered vehicle lineup includes the hydrogen-powered NEXO SUV, the Mighty Fuel Cell light-duty truck and XCIENT Fuel Cell.

New Zealand’s first hydrogen-powered truck, the Hyundai XCIENT, has ticked over 100,000km of commercial operations with NZ Post.

Hyundai New Zealand first introduced the XCIENT Fuel Cell heavy-duty truck back in 2021. NZ Post has had it in full commercial operations since 2023, making it the first truck of its kind to be tested here in New Zealand.

The 100,000km milestone demonstrates that hydrogen can be a reliable and efficient replacement for traditional diesel trucks with a longer range, shorter refueling time, and a greater payload. 

Grant Doull, National Manager of Hydrogen and Eco Commercial Vehicles at Hyundai New Zealand, stated, “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. The 100,000km milestone marks another significant step in our journey towards zero-emission transport and logistics solutions.”

NZ Post chief executive officer David Walsh agrees it’s a significant milestone and one he’s proud of, 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 says “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 ten countries including Switzerland, Germany, the U.S, South Korea, and now, New Zealand.

Hyundai New Zealand continues to lead in local hydrogen initiatives. They introduced the world’s first hydrogen passenger vehicle, NEXO, in 2018. 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 here in New Zealand.

As Hyundai looks to the future, zero-emissions mobility will play a significant role in the company’s strategy.

Supporting New Zealand’s Unique Transport Needs

Hyundai New Zealand’s partnership with Hiringa Energy and Halcyon supports these advanced vehicle deployments with green hydrogen and rapid refueling, ultimately meeting the country's needs.

In April this year Kiwi company Hiringa Energy opened its hydrogen refueling 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.

By leveraging New Zealand’s abundant renewable energy, hydrogen will be predominantly produced on-site at refueling stations using water and renewable electricity. The fuel is typically produced off-peak when energy demand is low and stored for refueling when required. This approach will ultimately minimise reliance on imported fossil fuels, help smooth peak demands on the grid, and enable a faster transition to low and zero-emission truck technologies.

NZ Post’s XCIENT hydrogen-powered truck facts:

Distance (kilometres)               100,000

Diesel eliminated (litres)          41,667

CO2kg (1Ltr = 2.68kg)                111,667

CO2t (1Ltr = 2.68kg)                   111.7

* Replaced a truck using 1.0l/2.4km