Saudi Arabia trials first autonomous heavy-duty truck with P&G
Industry newsThe pilot vehicle, which begins operating this month, combines a proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell powertrain with Level 4 autonomous driving technology. Hydrogen is stored onboard at 350 bar, enabling rapid refueling at dedicated hydrogen stations in just a few minutes.
Although the project's full technical specifications have not yet been disclosed, previous demonstrations of Hyperview's HTO2.1 platform indicate the technology is capable of traveling up to 450 kilometers on a single hydrogen fill while carrying payloads exceeding 40 tonnes. These results highlight the potential of hydrogen fuel cell trucks for long-distance freight operations, particularly in demanding environments such as the Middle East.
As part of its global commitment to achieving net-zero emissions across its operations and supply chain, P&G is using the pilot to evaluate the operational and economic performance of hydrogen-powered freight transportation.
In Saudi Arabia, the company works closely with Ismail Abudawood Group, which manages the manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution of P&G household and personal care products throughout the Kingdom.
Operating the hydrogen truck under real commercial conditions will provide valuable data on logistics performance, operating costs, fleet utilization, and overall efficiency. The findings are expected to help P&G assess the long-term business case for hydrogen-powered transportation while providing insights that could benefit other multinational companies pursuing low-carbon supply chains. The truck is powered by a PEM fuel cell system that converts hydrogen and oxygen into electricity, producing only water vapor and heat as byproducts.
Compressed hydrogen is stored at approximately 350 bar, allowing for fast refueling and minimizing vehicle downtime. An integrated battery complements the fuel cell by smoothing power delivery, recovering braking energy through regenerative braking, and providing additional power during acceleration or steep climbs. This hybrid architecture improves efficiency while reducing stress on the fuel cell system, helping extend component life.
The autonomous driving system integrates lidar, radar, high-resolution cameras, GPS, and high-definition mapping. Advanced onboard computing continuously processes sensor data, enabling Level 4 autonomous operation under defined operating conditions.
Multiple redundant safety systems support reliable braking, obstacle avoidance, steering control, and energy-efficient driving throughout the vehicle's operation.
The Transport General Authority has granted temporary operating approval for the pilot as part of a broader program evaluating hydrogen-powered mobility solutions, including hydrogen trains and previous hydrogen truck demonstrations conducted with Almajdouie Logistics.
Throughout the trial, regulators will monitor vehicle performance using the Naql digital platform, collecting data on hydrogen consumption, vehicle condition, autonomous system performance, and overall operational safety.
The information gathered will help establish future technical standards covering hydrogen storage, leak detection, cybersecurity, emergency response procedures, and certification requirements for hydrogen-powered commercial vehicles.
For Ismail Abudawood Group, the project provides an opportunity to evaluate how hydrogen-powered autonomous trucks can be integrated into existing warehousing and distribution networks without compromising operational reliability.
For Hyperview, the pilot represents another significant milestone following previous collaborations with DHL Global Forwarding and Aramco. Successful commercial deployment would further validate the company's hydrogen trucking platform under real operating conditions.
Positive results could encourage additional investment in hydrogen production, refueling infrastructure, and renewable-powered green hydrogen projects across Saudi Arabia.
The initiative also aligns with the Kingdom's broader hydrogen ambitions, including the NEOM Green Hydrogen Project, positioning Saudi Arabia as both a future exporter of green hydrogen and a leader in low-carbon industrial development.
As hydrogen truck fleets expand, demand for refueling infrastructure is expected to grow along major freight corridors connecting industrial centers such as Jubail with ports, logistics hubs, and urban markets.
Hyperview specializes in developing hydrogen-powered autonomous heavy-duty trucks and has previously demonstrated its HTO2.1 platform through projects with DHL Global Forwarding and Aramco.
Ismail Abudawood Group is one of the region's leading manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution companies, managing logistics operations for P&G and numerous international consumer brands throughout the Middle East.
The Transport General Authority oversees Saudi Arabia's road and rail transportation sectors and plays a central role in implementing the Kingdom's National Transport and Logistics Strategy while supporting the Saudi Green Initiative.
Together, these organizations bring regulatory expertise, operational experience, advanced vehicle technology, and commercial freight demand into a single demonstration project.