The Elec City FCEV (Image courtesy of Hyundai Motor Co.)
SEOUL, Oct. 7 (Korea Bizwire) – Hyundai Motor Company announced on October 6 that cumulative sales of its hydrogen-powered electric bus, the Elec City FCEV, have exceeded 1,000 units. As of last month, total sales reached 1,032 vehicles, a significant milestone for the automotive giant’s eco-friendly public transportation initiative.
The Elec City FCEV, introduced in 2019, represents the culmination of Hyundai’s hydrogen research and development efforts, which began in 1998. It stands as the world’s first urban hydrogen bus, showcasing the company’s commitment to sustainable mobility solutions.
Equipped with a 180kW fuel cell system, an 875L hydrogen tank, and a high-output 78.4kWh battery, the bus is particularly well-suited for long-distance routes and high-traffic areas where electric power consumption tends to be elevated.
The vehicle’s impressive range — up to 550 kilometers on a single charge — is made possible by its ZF central motor and what Hyundai claims is the largest capacity hydrogen tank in its class.
The environmental impact of these hydrogen-powered buses is substantial. Hyundai reports that a single bus can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 72 tons annually, equivalent to the absorption capacity of 2,700 pine trees over the same period.
Building on the success of the Elec City FCEV, Hyundai launched a high-speed hydrogen electric bus model, the Universe FCEV, last year, further expanding its eco-friendly vehicle lineup.
To commemorate the sales milestone, Hyundai held an appreciation event on October 4 at the Rolling Hills Hotel in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province.
The gathering brought together 40 representatives from regional bus transportation associations and transport companies, along with members of Hyundai’s Namyang Technology Research Institute.
In a move to accelerate the adoption of hydrogen-powered public transportation, Hyundai signed a memorandum of understanding with KD Transport Group, South Korea’s largest land transportation company, in February.
The agreement outlines plans to convert 1,000 airport, intercity, and intracity buses in the Seoul capital region to hydrogen-powered vehicles by 2027.
A Hyundai representative highlighted the company’s commitment to supporting the transition to hydrogen-powered public transportation.
“In addition to government support, Hyundai is providing free repair parts worth 40 million won per hydrogen bus,” the spokesperson said.
“We will continue to make active efforts to promote the adoption of hydrogen buses.”
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
