New Zealand’s first hydrogen-powered truck ticked over 100,000km of commercial operations with NZ Post near Huntly, late in the evening of July 24.

The Hyundai XCIENT Fuel Cell heavy-duty truck arrived in New Zealand in late-2021. Following a conversion to right-hand-drive it has been in full commercial operations with NZ Post since 2023, making it the first truck of its kind to be put to the test in New Zealand.

Hyundai says the 100,000km milestone demonstrates that hydrogen can be a reliable and efficient replacement to traditional diesel trucks with equivalent range, refuelling times and payloads.

By travelling 100,000km on hydrogen, the truck has eliminated the use of 41,667 litres of diesel fuel, equating to 111.7 tonnes of CO2 emissions (based on a similar diesel truck using 1-litre per 2.4km).

“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 Doull, National Manager of Hydrogen and Eco Commercial Vehicles at Hyundai NZ.

“The 100,000km milestone marks another significant step in our journey towards zero-emission transport and logistics solutions.”

Hyundai NZ also recently unveiled the Mighty Fuel Cell truck, New Zealand’s first light-duty hydrogen truck which will complete a local pilot trial with a refrigerated body over the coming year.