Hyundai and Iveco unveil fuel cell large van

Hyundai Motor Company and Iveco Group have unveiled the first Iveco eDaily fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV). 

Since signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in March 2022, Hyundai and Iveco Group have formed multiple joint working groups on various technological streams to explore ways that they can complement each other on the development of EVs and alternative propulsions.

Earlier in July, the two companies jointly announced hydrogen-powered Iveco bus equipped with Hyundai’s fuel cell system.

They have now unveiled the eDaily fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV), with a range that currently includes traditional and methane/bio-methane propulsions, and new battery electric vehicle (BEV) models. 

The working eDaily FCEV prototype is equipped with Hyundai’s 90 kW hydrogen fuel cell system and 140 kW e-motor. Six tanks offer a combined storage capacity of 12 kg of hydrogen.

The GVW 7.2-tonne prototype has been tested in Europe, confirming a driving range of 350km (217 miles), maximum payload of 3 tonnes and a refuelling time within 15 minutes.

While eDaily BEV, which was also unveiled at the IAA, in Germany, is best suited for short journeys, the manufacturers say that the eDaily FCEV will be an ideal option for longer deliveries where high payload and long range is necessary.

An integral part of the eDaily FCEV is the battery pack by FPT Industrial, the powertrain brand of Iveco Group, while the fuel cell system provided by Hyundai is the latest step in the company’s 20-plus year hydrogen mobility journey.

Hyundai’s advanced fuel cell technology is already in use in various applications, and especially in the commercial vehicle sector.

“Following the recent announcement that IVECO BUS will equip its future hydrogen-powered buses with our fuel cells, the hydrogen-powered eDAILY is another concrete example of what we can accomplish by working together in accelerating the transition to carbon neutrality”, said Martin Zeilinger, head of commercial vehicle development Tech Unit of Hyundai Motor Company.

“The partnership formed between the two companies has proven to be very successful and we expect greater results in the coming years.” 

Marco Liccardo, chief technology and digital officer at the Iveco Group, added: “We are thrilled to present the first hydrogen-powered eDAILY to the world. Based on this prototype, we aim to roll out a small series of FCEV vans for trial with selected customers by the end of next year.

“This exciting milestone in our sustainability journey is an outcome of the successful collaboration between Iveco Group and Hyundai Motor Company and shows how we can achieve tangible results in a short timeframe by combining our strengths.”

Hyundai and Iveco Group are also examining other collaboration options, ranging from cross-selling products in selected worldwide regions to joint developments in vehicle automation and connectivity.

Additionally, Hyundai is also considering sourcing opportunities from FPT Industrial in the area of next generation conventional powertrains for commercial vehicles.