Hyundai Motor Group has successfully completed a pioneering hydrogen mobility trial in NEOM’s Trojena mountains, marking a significant leap toward sustainable transportation in the Middle East. The trial reflects the Group’s commitment to advancing zero-emission technology and aligns closely with Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030 roadmap.
A Strategic MoU Fuels Innovation in Mobility
In September 2024, Hyundai Motor Group signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with NEOM’s Mobility division, forming the foundation for this landmark trial. The agreement reinforces both parties’ dedication to future mobility innovation and sustainable development in the region.
Navigating NEOM’s Mountains with Hydrogen-Powered Precision
The centerpiece of the trial was Hyundai’s UNIVERSE Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) coach, which was operated across Trojena’s high-altitude terrain—reaching elevations of up to 2,080 meters and facing gradients as steep as 24 percent. The vehicle simulated real-world conditions by transporting passengers along a route from NEOM’s envisioned central business hub to the Trojena mountain area.
Fuelled by Enowa: A New Hydrogen Infrastructure Takes Shape
This hydrogen-powered breakthrough was made possible through a strategic partnership with Enowa, NEOM’s energy and water subsidiary. Enowa recently commissioned the region’s first hydrogen refueling station, a critical milestone that enabled Hyundai to deploy the UNIVERSE FCEV bus for VIP transport between October and December of last year.
A Shared Vision for a Decarbonized Future
The successful operation of Hyundai’s hydrogen coach in NEOM’s rugged landscape demonstrates the feasibility of hydrogen solutions in extreme environments. It also reflects a shared vision between Hyundai, NEOM, and Enowa to establish a hydrogen-powered future, further advancing Saudi Arabia’s decarbonization goals and global sustainability efforts.
Capturing the Moment: A Video Chronicle of Green Innovation
To commemorate the milestone, Hyundai Motor Group, NEOM, and Enowa produced a video capturing the journey of the UNIVERSE Fuel Cell bus through Trojena’s breathtaking terrain. The documentary includes interviews with key partners and offers insights into the challenges and triumphs of implementing hydrogen mobility in real-world conditions.
Hyundai’s Hydrogen Legacy and the Rise of HTWO
Hyundai Motor Group’s leadership in hydrogen technology is rooted in decades of research and development, dating back to the late 1990s. Through HTWO—its dedicated hydrogen brand—the Group continues to drive the global hydrogen economy by leveraging its end-to-end expertise in production, storage, and application.
HTWO serves as an open platform for innovation, investment, and collaboration, strengthening Hyundai’s role as a global pioneer in clean mobility solutions.
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