A new German logistics initiative has introduced a Hyundai XCIENT fuel cell truck for transporting dry ice, which is expected to save around 69,000kg of CO₂ per yea compared to a diesel truck.
Nippon Gases Deutschland and the HOYER Group have introduced the first hydrogen-powered lorry specifically designed for transporting dry ice. The Hyundai XCIENT fuel cell electric vehicle, equipped with a customised dry box and air ducts tailored for dry ice logistics, was officially handed over on January 8 at Nippon Gases’ site in Hürth, Germany.
The lorry, developed in partnership with Hylane, has a range of up to 450km and can be fully refuelled in under 15 minutes, making it suitable for everyday operations. Its modifications ensure the optimal conditions required for transporting dry ice, which is widely used in industries such as food, beverage, automotive, and pharmaceuticals.
According to Nippon Gases Deutschland, this single hydrogen-powered truck is expected to save approximately 69,000kg of CO₂ annually
Christoph Laumen, MD of Nippon Gases Deutschland, stated: “Hydrogen trucks will make an important contribution to CO₂-neutral freight transport by road in the future. As the first industrial gases company in Germany to use a hydrogen-powered truck in its logistics fleet, Nippon Gases is a pioneer in our sector. Even with the single use of this new vehicle, we expect to save around 69,000kg of CO₂ in vehicle operation compared to conventional diesel trucks. In addition, we will gain important experience and knowledge that will enable us to use this CO₂-neutral transport for other product lines in the future.”
The HOYER Group, a global logistics provider for bulk liquids and gases, is actively involved in advancing hydrogen mobility, including supporting the development of hydrogen service stations. The group also plans to leverage the insights gained from this deployment to expand its hydrogen-powered vehicle fleet.
The Hyundai XCIENT fuel cell truck is no stranger to German roads, having been tested over the past few years by flagship companies such as Gerbüder Weiss, Dachser and the supermarket chain REWE. However, the first truck of this kind was registered in the country in 2022 by Hylane, which bought the truck specifically with the aim of renting it out.
