Driving the Future: Hyundai and Toyota Put Hydrogen in the Fast Lane

A new era of clean logistics and scalable hydrogen tech is taking shape

The hydrogen economy just got a major push, thanks to Hyundai and Toyota stepping up with bold, forward-looking moves. One is building out the infrastructure for zero-emission freight corridors, while the other is making it easier than ever for businesses to access proven hydrogen fuel cell solutions. Together, they're making hydrogen practical, visible, and scalable.

>> RELATED: Hyundai Announces HTWO Energy Savannah, the Industry's First Dual-Energy Hydrogen and Electric Station to Support Heavy-Duty Zero-Emission Vehicles in the Savannah Region

Hyundai fuels freight with a first-of-its-kind station

Hyundai's new project, HTWO Energy Savannah, isn’t just a fueling station—it’s a blueprint for clean logistics. Located in Pooler, Georgia, just 10 miles from the busy Port of Savannah, this dual-energy station will support both hydrogen and electric vehicles, starting with Class-8 trucks.

The first phase of the project focuses on hydrogen production and fast-fill refueling for Hyundai’s XCIENT fuel cell trucks, operated by HTWO Logistics. This scalable infrastructure is being developed with HydroFleet and Capital Development Partners, and it aims to produce 1,200 kilograms of hydrogen per day—expandable to 4,200 kilograms to meet future demand.

Jim Park, SVP, commercial vehicle and hydrogen fuel cell business, Hyundai Motor North America, called it "a breakthrough hydrogen production and refueling station" that will enable zero-emissions trucks to refuel conveniently and consistently within the Savannah region.

The station will play a key role in Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America’s (HMGMA) clean logistics ecosystem. By creating a circular supply chain with hydrogen-powered trucks, Hyundai can reduce emissions not just at the point of sale but across its entire delivery network.

Toyota opens doors for hydrogen adoption

While Hyundai lays the physical foundation for hydrogen logistics, Toyota is rolling out the digital welcome mat. At this year's Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo, the company announced the launch of Toyota Hydrogen Solutions (THS), a new business unit and online hub focused on connecting commercial customers with Toyota's fuel cell technologies.

This new platform is more than a website. It's a central resource for businesses looking to adopt hydrogen-powered solutions—from stationary generators to Class-8 truck powertrains. The goal is simple: make hydrogen accessible, understandable, and integrated into daily operations.

Jay Sackett, TMNA R&D chief engineer of Advanced Mobility, summed it up: "We are more than a powertrain supplier. We aim to provide a host of efficient solutions that help get work done."

Toyota's hydrogen fuel cell stacks have already been deployed across a wide range of applications, from the Mirai FCEV sedan to cargo-handling machinery and backup power generators. In every case, the only emission is water vapor.

Why this matters now

For years, hydrogen has sat on the sidelines—hyped, but not always tangible. That changes when infrastructure and access collide, as they are now with Hyundai and Toyota.

Hyundai is solving one of hydrogen’s biggest hurdles: where to refuel. With HTWO Energy Savannah, it's delivering a practical answer for heavy-duty freight, which accounts for nearly 30% of U.S. transportation emissions, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

Toyota is solving another: how to adopt. The THS platform simplifies the discovery and procurement process for businesses, providing ready-to-deploy options and support from a company with decades of fuel cell development under its belt.

These two moves complement each other in a way that strengthens the entire hydrogen value chain.

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Strong partnerships and long-term bets

What sets both projects apart is their commitment to scale. Hyundai's site is built with future growth in mind, and Toyota has already sold over 2,700 commercial fuel cell units to more than 100 customers globally.

Scott Moe, CEO of HydroFleet, called the HTWO Savannah project "a groundbreaking initiative" that will "revolutionize the heavy-duty trucking and hydrogen industry."

Meanwhile, Toyota is preparing to assemble fuel cell module kits domestically at its Georgetown, Kentucky facility—a move that signals confidence in the long-term role of hydrogen in U.S. manufacturing and energy resilience.

Thibaut de Barros Conti, TMNA general manager of Fuel Cell Solutions, explained, "Using these technologies, with Toyota activating with key partners in the H2 supply chain, opens a clear path for a more sustainable hydrogen ecosystem."

The bigger picture: hydrogen as a systems solution

This isn’t just about trucks or ports or clean energy headlines. What Hyundai and Toyota are doing points to a deeper shift: treating hydrogen as an integrated system solution rather than a single-tech fix.

Hyundai is building out hard infrastructure in logistics corridors, targeting a high-emissions sector with real usage demand. Toyota is offering ready-to-use components that slide into existing operations across different industries.

One tackles supply. The other unlocks demand. That’s the type of alignment the hydrogen industry has needed for years.

No longer a someday technology

Hydrogen isn’t just for concept cars or science fair headlines anymore. Thanks to companies like Hyundai and Toyota, it’s becoming a here-and-now solution for logistics, backup power, and sustainable commercial operations.

And with partnerships deepening, infrastructure expanding, and companies stepping up to lead, the shift toward a viable hydrogen ecosystem is finally in motion.

We’re not just watching it happen—we’re driving straight into it.