Rutgers University’s Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation (CAIT) has been selected by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) to lead a pilot program deploying hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks at Port Newark.
The $13 million project will demonstrate the use of six Hyundai XCIENT fuel cell trucks in real-world drayage operations, moving freight containers at and around the port. The pilot is designed to evaluate hydrogen-powered trucks in a demanding freight environment while collecting operational and performance data.
Rutgers CAIT will manage the project, including research, data analysis, and workforce development components. Project partners include Hyundai Motor Company, which will supply the trucks; Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG), which will provide hydrogen fueling support; the Center for Transportation and the Environment, which will assist with data collection; and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which will host the pilot at Port Newark.
The project will be implemented in phases, starting with vehicle procurement, hydrogen fueling planning, and site preparation. Truck deployment and testing are expected to begin in early 2026 and will run for approximately 12 months.
During the demonstration period, the project team will collect data related to vehicle performance, fueling, maintenance, and operational suitability. The results will be used to better understand the opportunities and challenges associated with hydrogen fuel cell trucks in freight applications.
According to Rutgers CAIT, the pilot aims to support New Jersey’s broader clean energy and transportation goals while advancing research into zero-emission freight technologies.
