The Kahirós Project is designed to decarbonize timber logistics in Uruguay by using hydrogen fuel cell trucks fueled by green hydrogen produced from renewable sources. The project aims to achieve decarbonization in local operations through actions including the deployment of the Xcient Fuel Cell trucks over a 10-year period.

The initiative is led by Kahirós Associates, a joint venture comprising Uruguayan companies Ventus (energy), Fraylog (logistics) and Fidocar (Hyundai Motor’s local distributor). It is backed by a US$40m investment from Santander Group, with support from the International Finance Corporation of the World Bank and the United Nations’ Renewable Energy Innovation Fund. Operations are scheduled to begin in November 2026.

The project includes a 4.8MW solar park and the construction of an electrolysis plant capable of generating 77 tons of green hydrogen annually. During regular operation, the main fleet of six trucks is expected to travel nearly 1,000,000km per year. Hyundai Motor will provide two additional tractor units as backups and for exploring further service expansion, taking the total fleet size to eight trucks.

“From the Kahirós team, we value the opportunity to contribute to the decarbonization of freight transport in Uruguay, and we are committed to ensuring that this project becomes a pilot that sets the course for more actions at both the national and global levels, contributing to the efforts to position our country as a hub in this field,” said Kahirós project director Juan Andrés Chick.

The Xcient trucks’ technical specifications include a hydrogen fuel cell system with 180kW output from two 90kW stacks, a 350kW (469hp) electric motor with 2,237Nm torque, 68kg of hydrogen storage across 10 tanks, a 72kWh battery pack and a range of up to 720km. The Class 8 tractors can handle a gross combined weight of up to 37,194kg.

“At Hyundai, we are committed to creating sustainable transportation solutions. Our Hyundai Xcient trucks with hydrogen fuel cells supporting the Kahirós Project produce no tailpipe emissions and offer a lower-carbon alternative to traditional freight logistics methods,” said Airton Cousseau, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor Brazil and Hyundai Motor Central and South America Region. “We will help decarbonize a critical part of the paper production value chain and demonstrate to the world that we can take action for a better future starting now.”

Chul Youn Park, senior vice president and head of the global commercial vehicle and light commercial vehicle business division at Hyundai Motor Company, added, “It is meaningful that Hyundai expands its global leadership in clean mobility toward South America with its advanced hydrogen fuel cell technology in addition to its proven applications in North America and Europe. At Hyundai, we aim to contribute to building a sustainable and safe freight ecosystem through hydrogen-powered commercial vehicles. Our partnership with Kahirós Associates has strengthened our devotion to innovation and commitment to sustainability as we share a vision for the future.”

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“Motorsport has always been a critical environment for accelerating innovation, and our partnership with Alpine reflects a shared belief in the value of engineering-led progress,” said Todd Anderson, chief technology officer, Phinia. “These programs allow us to develop and validate advanced fuel systems technology under the most demanding conditions, supporting both high-performance applications today and the evolution of future propulsion technologies.”

Accelerating hydrogen internal combustion technology

This partnership further advances Phinia’s role in Alpine’s Alpenglow hydrogen program, aimed at maximizing the performance potential of hydrogen internal combustion engines (H₂ICE) in high-performance applications. Leveraging Phinia’s hydrogen direct injection system, Alpine has progressed its Alpenglow Hy4 concept to the new Hy6 hydrogen engine, marking a key technical milestone. The Alpenglow Hy6 now features a six-cylinder configuration and has reached speeds of up to 312.9km/h during demonstrations at the 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship and the 2025 Le Mans 24 Hours.

Pierre-Jean Tardy, chief engineer, hydrogen, Alpine Racing, said, “Motorsport is evolving rapidly and our strive for continuous innovation requires partners who can keep pace, combining long-term vision with proven engineering depth. Phinia is a trusted technical partner for Alpine, and this partnership reflects the confidence we have in their ability to deliver advanced fuel system solutions pioneering hydrogen internal combustion.”

Anderson added, “Our partnership underlines the capability of H₂ICE technology to meet the demands of top-tier motorsport while supporting longer-term decarbonization ambitions. By applying our hydrogen direct injection expertise in a competitive racing environment, we are helping to demonstrate that H₂ICE can deliver performance, efficiency and control at scale – insights that are critical as the industry explores multiple pathways toward lower-carbon propulsion.”

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FCSM was established in January 2017 in Brownstown, Michigan. Following extensive discussions regarding the continuation of FCSM business, the companies have reached an agreement to discontinue production of fuel cell systems at FCSM.

Honda says it will will continue to leverage next-generation fuel cell system technologies developed independently and strive to further expand its hydrogen business as one of its core businesses.

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A H₂ICE uses zero carbon hydrogen fuel in tried-and-tested engine technology, presenting a viable path for decarbonizing medium and heavy-duty transportation, such as trucks and buses.

Announced back in July, the new testing area forms part of JM’s existing site in Gothenburg, Sweden, and has been completed on time and on budget, representing a £2.5m (US$1.67m) investment over three years.

The investment has further expanded JM’s H₂ICE testing capability, enabling it to test full engines for the first time.

Tauseef Salma, JM chief technology officer for clean air, commented, “This investment shows JM is backing H₂ICE as a ready-to-go technology that will enable mobility partners to meet their decarbonization and climate goals. Our state-of-the-art Gothenburg facility positions JM as a world leader in sustainable technology solutions, transforming energy and reducing carbon emissions.”

The Gothenburg installation supports H₂ICE engines up to 600kW (800hp). It will test the performance of catalysts within the wider engine aftertreatment and control systems, providing key insights into the development of hydrogen mobility solutions. Gothenburg is already home to medium and heavy-duty diesel engine test cells.

The H₂ICE investment follows JM’s collaboration with Cummins, and technology partners Phinia and Zircotec, who launched Project Brunel in November 2021. This partnership was successfully concluded in March 2025, delivering proof points towars significant improvements in H₂ICE engine performance and durability.

The new Gothenburg H₂ICE facility includes an on-site hydrogen supply and storage area with a compressor and intermediate storage tank, hydrogen supply and storage up to 413 bar, a hydrogen flow meter and analyzer with exhaust measuring instruments and all appropriate control, sensing and safety systems.

Salma added, “For more than two centuries, JM has helped tackle some of the world’s biggest challenges. We continue to do so today because it’s in our DNA. The opening of this new testing facility shows our commitment to strategic partnerships to drive innovation, strengthening the potential of H₂ICE as a net zero pathway for commercial vehicles.”

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This new capability delivers real-time measurement, visualization and recording of all key drive parameters, with advanced cycle detection and ultra-fast calculation windows suited for highly dynamic, precision testing.

The modular and scalable KiBox2 E-Powertrain Analysis can be configured for a wide variety of measurement scenarios and areas of application – on land, in the water, or in the air.

KiBox2 E-Powertrain Analysis is a key tool for R&D in electric and hybrid drive systems. Designed to support every development stage – from integration and calibration to optimization and verification – it enables measurements on individual components such as power electronics, inverters, e-motors and resolvers, as well as on complete assemblies. As a full solution, it handles the demands of DC and AC testing, high- and low-voltage measurements and energy management system analysis.

With up to 64 measurement channels and powerful processing functions, the scalable system captures all key signals across the entire powertrain. Unlike standard DAQ systems, KiBox2 E-Powertrain Analysis processes data immediately through dedicated software, enabling real-time visualization and analysis of application-specific e-machine parameters. It can also measure and process currents from high-voltage current transducers as well as signals from standard current clamps.

Testing electric and hybrid drives

For data acquisition and power analysis of electric powertrains, KiBox2 E-Powertrain Analysis comprises three compact components: The KiBox2 16-channel measuring unit works as a compact, mobile power analyzer for real-time measurement, calculation and visualization with rapid processing of 2.5MS/s per channel.

The HVAQ four-channel high-voltage module is electrically isolated and supports measurement ranges up to ±1,000Vrms/±1,500 Vpeak, meeting 1,000V CAT II/600V CAT III safety standards. The HCAQ four-channel high-current module, together with the Current Conditioner Box, enables measurement ranges up to 2,000A and supports external zero-flux current transducers.

The system integrates easily into test stand automation and, with its compact and robust design, is also suitable for in-vehicle testing. For on-track use, KiBox2 E-Powertrain Analysis withstands strong vibrations and can be powered directly from the vehicle. Its high-performance electrical power analyzer enables precise measurement and calculation of power flows and losses, supported by high-resolution data storage for detailed offline analysis

KiBox2’s user interface enables it to be set up quickly. The advanced signal conditioning simplifies the analysis of electric power, making it possible to quickly identify losses. The intelligent algorithm ensures precise real-time cycle detection and can be flexibly configured up to one-quarter of an electrical cycle. All data is saved in an ASAM-compatible format. For custom workflow integration, a corresponding converter can be used to output alternative data formats.

Power analysis can be carried out simultaneously on electric powertrains and powertrains that use combustion technologies, such as range extenders, with a single system. Synchronized data acquisition and calculation of crank-angle and time-based measurands allow for combined energy flow analysis in both domains. Moreover, mechanical torque systems can be directly connected to KiBox2 via analog or digital inputs. By including physical parameters like speed and torque, KiBox2 is expanding the range of applications to include mechanical power analysis.

Vehicle efficiency has long been a key focus in the automotive industry, even before the rise of alternative drive technologies. By combining measurements and analysis of both electric and combustion drives, and by capturing mechanical signals from torque systems, Kistler offers R&D teams a highly versatile testing platform. To support data processing, Kistler has expanded its Cockpit software with the latest E-Powertrain application module, while jBEAM Powertrain provides powerful tools for further data analysis.

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These vehicles, not yet available to order, form part of Scania’s broader Pilot Partner program, which aims to assess electrification technology and other solutions under daily conditions to see what they can contribute to fossil-free transportation.

“By testing in real transportation environments, we learn what works best in practice and how to accelerate progress,” explained Tony Sandberg, head of Scania Pilot Partner.

Scania says that its strategy for decarbonizing the transportation system remains centered on direct electrification. However, the hydrogen pilot is one of several tests being conducted through the Pilot Partner program to understand how different energy carriers and powertrains perform. The aim is to see which real-life strengths and weaknesses other technologies and fuels exhibit.

The pilot truck tests with Asko

By combining Scania’s electric powertrain technology with hydrogen systems, Scania and Asko have found that the trucks can achieve ranges of up to 1,000km per refueling, emitting only water vapor.

“Being part of Scania’s Pilot Partner initiative gives us a unique opportunity to test and influence the development of sustainable solutions that fit our operations,” said Jørn Arvid Endresen, CEO of Asko MIDT.

Sandberg added, “Asko’s strong commitment and proactive approach are key to accelerating the transition. Together, we turn insights from pilots into practical knowledge that benefits the whole industry.”

“This is where innovation meets application,” said Sandberg. “By working side by side with customers, we turn pilots into progress and strengthen Scania’s role in leading the shift toward a sustainable transportation system.”

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The initiative builds on the existing partnership between Hyundai and EDB through the Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Center Singapore (HMGICS) – Hyundai’s first global open innovation hub and testbed.

Hyundai is exploring various potential collaborations with Singapore-based companies and startups, as well as the potential use of Singapore’s pipeline network for efficient hydrogen distribution, aiming to address logistical challenges and enhance resource efficiency.

“We are excited to collaborate with the EDB to explore new growth areas, including the development of low-carbon technologies,” said Jaeha Park, vice president and head of the global hydrogen business subdivision at Hyundai. “By bringing our cutting-edge expertise in hydrogen technology, this partnership represents a significant step forward in creating a clean-energy future for Singapore. We look forward to driving impactful solutions that demonstrate the potential of hydrogen as a cornerstone of global sustainability.”

EDB will facilitate Hyundai’s participation in relevant initiatives to build up and apply low-carbon technologies, including potential collaborations with local enterprises and innovation partners to drive technological advances.

“This MoU builds on the strong partnership between EDB and Hyundai Motor Group. The collaboration is closely aligned to Singapore’s commitment to developing a low-carbon economy by supporting companies in sustainable technology development. This will strengthen Singapore’s position as a global innovation hub within Hyundai Motor Group’s global network,” said Zheng Jingxin, vice president and head of mobility at the Singapore Economic Development Board.

Hyundai’s mid- to long-term vision extends globally, as it looks to expand the clean hydrogen ecosystem by integrating eco-friendly energy businesses across neighboring countries, focusing on sustainable energy solutions and advanced infrastructure.

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The report states that H2-ICEVs can help scale the rollout of hydrogen refueling infrastructure by driving early fuel demand, while providing a long-term zero-emission solution for very heavy load road and off-road applications, all while building on Europe’s existing knowledge and manufacturing base. To leverage the opportunity of H2-ICEVs, Europe must provide the right support to enable large-scale adoption of these vehicles before the end of the decade.

The potential of H₂-ICEVs

The white paper discusses how H₂-ICEVs are emerging as a component of Europe’s zero-emission mobility strategy. H₂-ICEVs can now qualify as zero-emission vehicles under the updated Heavy-Duty Vehicles CO₂ standards, published in May 2024. As such, these vehicles present an opportunity to accelerate the deployment of zero-emission transportation solutions before the end of the decade.

Drawing on decades of expertise with conventional internal combustion engines, the automotive sector can repurpose existing manufacturing capacity, supply chains and engineering expertise to scale H2-ICEV deployment. As a result, H₂-ICEVs can achieve scaled deployment by the end of the decade and are projected to be the least upfront capital-intensive zero-emission technology until battery electric (BEV) and fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) markets reach higher maturity.

Beyond serving as a transition technology toward FCEVs, H₂-ICEVs are also emerging as a competitive zero-emission solution for particularly high-load applications across a range of distances, including non-road mobile machinery (NRMM).

Furthermore, if deployed at scale, H₂-ICEVs can drive early offtake for the AFIR-mandated pan-European hydrogen refueling station (HRS) network, providing confidence to HRS developers that sufficient demand for hydrogen fuel exists and unlocking scaled investments in this infrastructure. H2-ICEVs have the capacity to deliver immediate carbon reduction benefits while supporting the wider adoption of hydrogen as a transportation fuel, paving the way for future FCEV uptake.

Recommendations to European policymakers

However, despite meeting the definition of zero-emission vehicle, H₂-ICEVs are not yet classified equally with other zero-emission technologies across Europe. H2-ICEVs have been excluded from incentivizing mechanisms and, in some member states, remain unable to refuel from existing HRS infrastructure due to existing energy taxation legislation.

The paper calls on European policymakers to unlock the full potential of H₂-ICEVs and accelerate decarbonization. In the report, it urges EU policymakers to classify hydrogen internal combustion engine vehicles (H₂-ICEVs) as zero-emission across all member states and to ensure equal treatment with fuel cell vehicles (FCEVs).  This includes aligning taxation exemptions, shared refueling infrastructure and eligibility in zero-emission deployment projects, as well as equal recognition under RED II/III. It also calls for continued funding of hydrogen engine research through programs like Horizon Europe, emphasizing H₂-ICEVs as a cost-effective, scalable path to decarbonizing heavy-duty transport while leveraging Europe’s existing automotive industry.

Hannah Bryson-Jones, spokesperson for the H2Accelerate collaboration, said, “Hydrogen internal combustion engines are emerging as a key component of Europe’s zero-emission mobility strategy. This technology can be deployed rapidly, at scale, and at a cost-competitive price with diesel equivalents, while supporting the growth of a pan-European hydrogen refueling network this decade. With a level policy playing field, H₂-ICEVs can accelerate the decarbonization of heavy-duty transport and support a widespread hydrogen refueling network.”

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Providing delegates with theoretical and practical insight, the course will cover fuel cells and the Horiba C05-LT test station; the importance of accurate fuel cell testing; C05-LT operational features, setup and use; hydrogen safety; and the C05-LT’s safe design and use.

Students will gain the confidence they need to work safely with and around hydrogen, while also seeing in practice how the C05-LT next-generation fuel cell test station, which has been specifically designed for researchers and engineers, can be used safely in polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell research.

Ana Anyaeji, Horiba’s head of sales, energy and environment, said, “This exclusive training sets a real precedent within our market. The partnership with hydrogen specialists allows us to combine our expertise, giving delegates the confidence to see in practice how this equipment, which facilitates research into fuel cells, can be used safely.

“It is our ambition to develop collaborations between industry and academics, using years of global expertise to support the next generation of scientists and engineers. We see the launch of this training as a further step to advance UK intelligence in fuel cell research – an absolute necessity as we transition to clean energy and develop future innovations across sectors.”

Elizabeth Simon, director of partnerships for Hydrogen Safe, added, “Once again, through the strategic collaborations that we are forging, we are bringing exclusive training opportunities that lead with industry expertise to those that have a genuine interest in clean energy and the green economy.

“Working with academics and industry experts, we know that our partnership with Horiba delivers a program of training that is simply not available elsewhere. In addition to the theoretical content we share on hydrogen safety, delegates can learn more about the C05-LT and see in practice how it can be used safely for fuel cell research and innovation.

“This training is a further opportunity for us to facilitate the research that will position the UK as a global benchmark for best practice, and we couldn’t be more excited to get started.”

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“By launching the new BMW X5 with a choice of five drive system variants, we are once again demonstrating our leading position as a technology pioneer,” said Joachim Post, a member of the board of management of BMW. “Hydrogen has an essential part to play in global decarbonization, which is why we are committed to driving the technology forward.”

BMW has prepared for the wider range of drive technologies by establishing flexible manufacturing systems and leveraging deep integration expertise. From 2028, the X5 range will include battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell variants.

The BMW iX5 hydrogen

Michael Rath, vice president of hydrogen vehicles at BMW Group, said, “The new BMW iX5 Hydrogen will be a true BMW – pioneering in its class and delivering the typical BMW driving pleasure.”

The drive technology is based on the third-generation fuel cell system that the BMW Group is developing in collaboration with Toyota Motor Corporation.

This technological advance aims to pave the way for a system with a more compact design that is also more powerful and efficient, thereby increasing range and output while reducing energy consumption.

HyMoS initiative

BMW is also involved in efforts to expand the hydrogen refueling network. The HyMoS initiative was established to support hydrogen ecosystems for mobility in cooperation with industry and institutional partners. The initiative aims to increase the economic viability of hydrogen mobility ecosystems by pooling the demand for all types of vehicles, including trucks, buses and passenger cars, to achieve optimal distribution and use of hydrogen stations. A pilot phase began with the support of existing ecosystems in Germany and France to gather experiences for deployment in other metropolitan areas and a potential later expansion to other countries.

In related news, Stellantis discontinues hydrogen fuel cell technology development program

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