First Level 4 Autonomous Fuel Cell EV Truck Demonstrated

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Hyundai Motor Company and an autonomous driving software firm called Plus* today unveiled what’s claimed to be the first SAE Level 4 autonomous Class 8 hydrogen fuel cell electric truck in the U.S. at the Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo, at the Las Vegas Convention Center. A Hyundai XCIENT Fuel Cell truck, equipped with Plus SuperDrive™ Level 4 (SAE) autonomous driving technology, is on display at the Plus ACT Expo booth (#2044).

Ultimately, software driven vehicles can replace drivers completely so further developments put global truck makers and their customers on a collision course with driver’s unions. (AutoInformed on: Hyundai Motor Teases “Enhanced” XCIENT Fuel Cell Truck; Hyundai Shows its Hydrogen Value Chain; SAE Autonomous Driving Levels; Teamsters Union Agrees with UPS on New Contract)

“By adding autonomous capabilities to our world’s first mass-produced hydrogen-powered XCIENT Fuel Cell truck, Hyundai is looking forward to providing fleets and vehicle operators additional solutions that enhance road safety and freight efficiencies thanks to Plus’s industry-leading autonomous driving technology,” said Martin Zeilinger, Executive Vice President and Head of Commercial Vehicle Development at Hyundai.

The SAE Level 4 autonomous XCIENT Fuel Cell truck is undergoing initial autonomous driving assessments in the U.S., making it  according to Hyundai, the first-ever Level 4 self-driving test on a Class 8 fuel cell electric truck to take place in the country. The system uses a combination of cutting-edge sensors, including LiDAR, radar and cameras, to provide surround perception, planning, prediction and self-driving capabilities.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Hyundai Motor Company on this important initiative to create more sustainable and safe transportation options. A decarbonized future with autonomous hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks that also improve safety and efficiency is one that Plus is proud to support with our cutting-edge autonomous driving technology,” said Shawn Kerrigan, COO and Co-Founder at Plus.

*About Plus

 Plus is an AI company . Its s autonomous driving solutions are driver-out SuperDrive™, highly automated PlusDrive®, next-gen safety technology PlusProtect™, and model-based perception software PlusVision™. Headquartered in Silicon Valley with operations in the U.S., Europe, and Australia. Plus’s large AI models are powering vehicles in commercial use today. Partners including Bosch, dm-drogerie markt, DSV, Hyundai Motor Company, IVECO, Luminar, Nikola, Scania/MAN/Navistar of the TRATON GROUP, and Transurban.