Key Points
- Hyundai has sold over 1,000 hydrogen fuel cell buses since launching the Elec City FCEV in 2019.
- The bus can travel up to 550 kilometers on a single charge, reducing carbon emissions by 72 tons annually.
- The company has expanded its hydrogen fleet with the high-speed Universe FCEV.
- Hyundai signed an agreement with KD Transport Group to transition 1,000 buses in the Seoul metropolitan area to hydrogen-powered models by 2027.
Hyundai Motor Co. announced that it has sold more than 1,000 units of its hydrogen fuel cell bus, the Elec City Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV), with cumulative sales reaching 1,032 units as of September 2024. Introduced in 2019, the Elec City FCEV is the world’s first urban hydrogen-powered electric bus.
The Elec City FCEV is powered by a 180kW fuel cell system, supported by an 875-liter hydrogen tank and a 78.4kWh high-capacity battery. These specifications allow the bus to handle long-distance routes and operate in high-traffic areas that require greater energy consumption. The vehicle boasts an impressive range of up to 550 kilometers on a single charge with its advanced fuel cell system and a large hydrogen storage capacity.
Hyundai has emphasized the environmental advantages of hydrogen fuel cell buses, pointing out their significant role in reducing carbon emissions. The automaker stated that a single Elec City FCEV bus in operation for one year could reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 72 tons, an environmental impact equivalent to the absorption of carbon dioxide by 2,700 pine trees.
The company further expanded its hydrogen-powered fleet in 2023 with the launch of the Universe FCEV, a high-speed version of the Elec City bus designed for longer-distance travel and greater passenger capacity. This move showcases Hyundai’s commitment to advancing hydrogen technology and promoting cleaner transportation options for urban and long-distance travel.
Hyundai’s push towards hydrogen-powered buses aligns with the broader global trend of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to sustainable energy sources. In a significant step towards this goal, Hyundai Motor signed an agreement with KD Transport Group, South Korea’s largest land transport company, earlier this year. The agreement aims to transition 1,000 buses in the Seoul metropolitan area to hydrogen-powered models by 2027.
Hyundai’s advancements in hydrogen technology are part of its larger vision for a future driven by clean energy solutions. With the success of the Elec City FCEV and the expansion of its hydrogen fleet, the company continues to pave the way for greener and more efficient public transportation.
