Saudi Arabia has launched its first hydrogen-powered heavy-duty truck equipped with autonomous driving technology, marking a significant step towards the Kingdom’s ambitions for more sustainable and intelligent freight transport.
The initiative has been sponsored by the Kingdom’s Transport General Authority (TGA), with support from the Ministry of Energy and the Ministry of Transport and Logistic Services. The project has been delivered through a partnership involving logistics company Ismail Abudawood, consumer goods manufacturer Procter & Gamble (P&G) and technology firm Hyperview.
Designed for heavy cargo and logistics operations, the truck runs on clean hydrogen fuel and produces zero carbon emissions during operation. It offers a driving range of up to 1,500km on a single refuelling cycle and can be refuelled within minutes, helping to address some of the operational challenges associated with long-haul trucking where vehicle uptime is critical.
According to the partners, the vehicle is equipped with multiple levels of autonomous driving capability, alongside digital systems that enable continuous software updates and performance monitoring. The truck’s software-driven architecture and artificial intelligence technologies are intended to support the development of modern transport solutions while enhancing operational efficiency.
The initiative reflects ongoing efforts to advance modern technologies that support sustainable transport and accelerate the adoption of innovative solutions across the transport and logistics sector.
Advancing sustainable transport
Saudi authorities said the project is expected to contribute to advancing sustainable transport, reducing carbon emissions, enhancing the efficiency of supply chains and logistics services, and improving safety through advanced autonomous driving technologies.
“The launch reflects growing interest in alternative fuels and automation within the transport and logistics sector as companies seek to lower emissions while maintaining the speed and reliability of cargo movements,” stated a company spokesperson.
For the commercial vehicle and logistics sectors, the project serves as an early demonstration of how hydrogen propulsion and autonomous driving technologies can be combined to support long-distance freight operations. While battery-electric vehicles continue to gain traction across many zero-emission transport applications, hydrogen-powered trucks are increasingly being explored for routes requiring extended range, rapid refuelling and high payload capacity.
The launch also highlights the growing role of major multinational companies in supporting lower-carbon logistics networks. Through its involvement, P&G is helping to evaluate emerging technologies that could influence the future direction of commercial supply chains.
The project marks a step towards a more efficient and sustainable future for heavy transport, leveraging clean hydrogen technologies and automation as Saudi Arabia continues to strengthen its logistics infrastructure and modernise freight operations.
