Hyundai Motor Company has partnered with Seonjin Group, a major bus transportation company in South Korea, to introduce 480 hydrogen buses by 2032. The initiative aims to establish charging infrastructure centered around bus depots by converting existing CNG stations into hydrogen refueling stations, facilitating the transition to hydrogen mobility in public transportation in the capital region.
On September 16, Hyundai announced that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Seonjin Group, Hynet, the Korea Automobile Environmental Association, and the Korea Natural Gas Hydrogen Charging Association to expand hydrogen mobility through innovative charging infrastructure.
The MOU focuses on the proactive introduction of hydrogen buses on key bus routes operated by Seonjin Group in the capital region, along with the expansion of charging infrastructure to support this initiative.
Seonjin Group operates approximately 1,700 buses through 17 transportation companies in the capital and Honam regions. The group plans to convert existing CNG stations at its depots in Gimpo and Paju into hydrogen refueling stations and gradually introduce a total of 480 hydrogen buses by 2032.
Hynet will be responsible for the construction and operation of large-capacity hydrogen refueling stations at designated depots, while the Korea Automobile Environmental Association and the Korea Natural Gas Hydrogen Charging Association will support the establishment of hydrogen refueling stations and the activation of charging infrastructure.
Hyundai plans to ensure timely delivery of hydrogen buses to Seonjin Group and will provide specialized maintenance training for hydrogen buses to contribute to a stable operating environment.
Hyundai views hydrogen as a complementary technology for long-distance and heavy-duty transportation, rather than a competitor to battery electric vehicles (BEVs). The company aims to expand the hydrogen demand ecosystem by building an energy system that integrates renewable energy and hydrogen, while also increasing the use of hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) in essential mobility sectors.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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