Hyundai launches the XCIENT FCEV Ampliroll in France
Presented on 7 July 2026 at the Hympulsion station at Lyon Saint-Exupéry, this 27-tonne hydrogen rigid truck now features a Meiller Tectrum Ampliroll hooklift, intended in particular for waste collection and waste management operations.
This launch comes in a favourable context for the development of hydrogen heavy mobility. According to the International Energy Agency’s Global Hydrogen Review, hydrogen trucks are estimated to have exceeded 35,000 units at the end of 2025, five times more than in 2022.
A configuration designed for collection
The XCIENT FCEV Ampliroll has a length of 9.60 m, a width of 2.54 m and a height of 3.90 m. It is equipped with a 370 kW electric motor combined with a 180 kW fuel cell. Hyundai announces a range of 400 km, a maximum speed of 85 km/h and a refuelling time of less than twenty minutes.
The Meiller Tectrum hooklift allows containers of up to 7 m to be loaded and unloaded, with a lifting capacity of up to 21 tonnes. This makes it suitable for the needs of collection centres in cities, suburban areas and rural zones.
A first approach that attracted attention in the United States
TruckStop had already been able to assess the potential of Hyundai’s hydrogen truck last year in the United States, at the ACT Expo in Los Angeles. This test provided an opportunity to discover the driving qualities of the XCIENT FCEV, particularly its quiet operation, smoothness and the benefits of hydrogen for demanding missions requiring range and availability.
First trials in France
Since May 2026, the XCIENT FCEV has been tested in France by several operators, including PUM, a subsidiary of Saint-Gobain, and Serfim Environnement. The initial feedback highlights driving comfort, low noise levels, range and the speed of refuelling.
Bernard Ribeiro, a driver at Serfim Environnement, particularly highlights the vehicle’s smoothness, braking quality and the speed of the lifting arm. At PUM, François-Xavier Gérard sees this truck as part of a strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030.
A hydrogen network that remains decisive
Hyundai points out that more than 160 XCIENT FCEV vehicles are already operating in Europe, with more than 21 million kilometres travelled and around 15,000 tonnes of CO2 avoided. The manufacturer now wants to accelerate its development in intensive urban applications, where reducing CO2 emissions, NOx, fine particles and noise pollution is a major challenge.
The question of hydrogen network coverage remains. Hyundai notably cites the Hympulsion network in the Rhône-Alpes region, as well as initiatives being carried out in Vendée with SYDEV and Brétéché. Trials open on request are also announced in Vendée at the start of the new season.
A 4x2 tractor expected by the end of 2029
Hyundai Hydrogen Mobility intends to continue developing its heavy-duty hydrogen range. Following this Ampliroll rigid truck, the brand has announced the arrival of a 4x2 tractor unit by the end of 2029. A further step in an attempt to establish hydrogen as a complementary solution within the energy mix of decarbonised road transport.
