Hyundai: Fuel Cell Truck Runs on Michelin Tires

Hyundai recognized hydrogen as an important component of sustainable mobility at an early stage and distributes emission-free commercial vehicles with fuel cell drives under the Swiss joint venture Hyundai Hydrogen Mobility AG. Now, the South Korean vehicle manufacturer has entered into a cooperation agreement with Michelin. The core of the agreement, according to a statement from the supplier, is the Michelin Effitires tire management program. The solution comes from the portfolio of the Michelin Services & Solutions division, which supports fleet managers with tailored mobility services, price-per-kilometre contracts, and apps such as MyInspection. The aim is to make fleet management simpler, more economical, and more efficient.

The tire and service concept that Hyundai now plans to integrate into its fuel-cell trucks includes a complete outsourcing of tire management. Furthermore, it is stated that the hydrogen trucks will be equipped with the particularly energy-efficient 315/70 R 22.5 Michelin X Multi Energy tires. These energy-efficient truck tires for short and long-distance transport feature particularly low rolling resistance, the tire manufacturer assures, enabling significant fuel savings while ensuring high mileage.

Additionally, Michelin promises that its Effitires offering includes high service quality, reporting, and increased mobility by regularly checking and adjusting air pressure and tires.

Fleet operators often lack the time and resources to track their vehicles' tire data, explains Albrecht von Leonhardi, Commercial Director Michelin Services & Solutions Germany, Austria, Switzerland.

“With Michelin Services & Solutions, we have more than 1,150 employees worldwide, as well as specialized service centers and mobile workshops. With our digital offerings and service solutions, we can specifically meet the requirements of our customers and providers of new mobility solutions.”

Establishing fuel cell technology in delivery traffic

As early as September, Hyundai equipped the first ten fuel cell trucks with Michelin tires, with another 40 vehicles to follow by the end of the year. For Mark Freymüller, CEO of Hyundai Hydrogen Mobility, this is a win:

“We rely on Michelin's years of experience in tire management and, due to the professional operational implementation, we are convinced that we have found the right partner.”

And Albrecht von Leonhardi adds:

“Together with Hyundai Hydrogen Mobility, Michelin will help drive more sustainable, locally emission-free mobility.”

Leonhardi is convinced that Michelin has exactly the right tire “to further improve the environmental performance of hydrogen-powered trucks.”

Hydrogen technology

Michelin has already consistently expanded its portfolio beyond mere tire manufacturing to include comprehensive mobility services focused on sustainable mobility. This also includes promoting and developing emission-free mobility solutions. Last year, together with Faurecia, Michelin founded the joint venture Symbio. The joint venture is dedicated to the development, production, and marketing of hydrogen fuel cell systems for light commercial vehicles, commercial vehicles, and trucks, as well as for other electromobility areas.

What does this mean?

Michelin has now expanded its activities beyond the tire business - and will also be involved in the fuel cell sector.