S. Korea to Begin Testing Hydrogen-Powered Cargo Trucks

South Korea will begin testing hydrogen-powered cargo trucks via a two-year pilot program to utilize environment-friendly vehicles beyond passenger transportation.

Based on the memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy and private firms, five 10-ton capacity cargo trucks will use hydrogen fuel cells to deliver goods between logistics centers in Gyeonggi Provinces and North Chungcheong and through 2022.

Hyundai Motor Co., Hyundai Glovis Co., and CJ Logistics Corp. were the private firms involved in the test run.

South Korea hopes that the pilot project would be followed with the manufacturing of hydrogen-powered cargo trucks in 2023.

In line with its green energy policy, South Korea has been exploring new possibilities in the field of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.

The new energy drive could also open new business opportunities for local carmakers.

Under the country's blueprint, hydrogen buses running on streets would be increased from 35 units in 2019 to 40,000 units by 2040.

South Korea also hopes to raise the number of hydrogen fuel cell taxis from 10 units last year to 80,000 units by 2040.