Hyundai Motor Group is expanding its cooperation with Oman to support the country’s transition toward smarter and more sustainable transportation under Oman Vision 2040, with new initiatives covering hydrogen-powered public transport, electric vehicle charging infrastructure and smart city development.
The Group has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Oman’s Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT), while separate agreements have also been reached with partners in Oman’s public transport and energy sectors to advance green mobility solutions in the Sultanate.
Hyundai and Oman Strengthen Smart City Cooperation
Hyundai Motor Group signed the MOU with MTCIT during the Gulf Green Mobility Forum, establishing a framework for cooperation in smart city development and eco-friendly mobility.
The partnership supports Oman’s national smart city strategy under Vision 2040 and covers a range of technologies, including electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles.
The initial agreement will run for one year and is subject to automatic renewal.
Oman is pursuing government-led smart city projects as part of Vision 2040, with major developments such as Sultan Haitham City supporting the country’s broader urban transformation goals.
Through the new partnership, Hyundai Motor Group aims to contribute to Oman’s sustainable urban development and efforts toward achieving carbon neutrality.
“We are delighted to establish strategic partnerships with MTCIT today. HMG is committed to helping turn Oman’s Vision 2040 ambitions into tangible outcomes through collaboration in smart cities and future mobility,” said Hokeun Chung, Executive Vice President and Head of the Future Strategy Division at Hyundai Motor Group.
Oman to Launch Its First Hydrogen City Bus
A key part of the new cooperation is the launch of Oman’s first hydrogen-powered city bus for public transportation in Muscat.
Mwasalat, Oman’s national transport operator, has signed a Pilot Agreement with Hyundai Motor Group to deploy the ELEC CITY Fuel Cell, a 24-seat hydrogen fuel-cell city bus, on public transit routes in Muscat.
The project is designed as an actual passenger transport service rather than a short-term technology demonstration. The hydrogen bus will operate as part of a pilot service beginning in the third quarter of 2026 and continuing through the third quarter of 2027.
During the pilot period, the bus will serve regular public transport routes in Muscat, providing an opportunity to assess hydrogen mobility under real-world operating conditions.
240kW Ultra-Fast EV Charger Near Muscat
Alongside the hydrogen bus program, the partnership also includes the development of new electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
Oman Oil Marketing Company (OOMCO), the energy distribution subsidiary of Oman’s national energy group OQ, and EV charging brand EVO have signed separate memoranda of understanding with Hyundai Motor Group and Hyundai Kefico, respectively.
The agreements will support the construction and operation of a 240kW DC ultra-fast EV charger at an Oman Oil service station in Halban, near Muscat.
Testing of the new charging facility is scheduled to take place between the third and fourth quarters of 2026, including performance testing under Oman’s high summer temperatures.
Hyundai Kefico and EVO Expand Charging Cooperation
The cooperation also includes a new MOU between Hyundai Kefico and EVO to test electric vehicle charging solutions.
The initiative will allow the partners to evaluate charging performance and technology in actual operating conditions, while assessing the potential for broader deployment of EV charging infrastructure in Oman.
The project forms part of a wider effort to create an integrated green mobility ecosystem combining electric transportation, hydrogen mobility and the infrastructure required to support both technologies.
Real-World Testing Will Determine Future Expansion
The cooperation between Hyundai Motor Group and its Omani partners is not intended to be limited to one-time pilot projects.
During the hydrogen bus trial, Mwasalat will assess the vehicle’s reliability under real-world driving conditions, its operational efficiency across daily public transport routes and its environmental performance compared with conventional diesel buses.
For the electric vehicle charging project, the partners will evaluate charging performance, user demand and the commercial feasibility of the infrastructure.
The results will provide the basis for determining whether the technologies are ready for wider deployment across Oman.
Pilot Results Could Lead to Wider Procurement
Following the completion of the pilot programs, the participating organizations will assess the results against previously agreed key performance indicators.
Based on the findings, the partners will explore opportunities to expand services and potentially move toward formal procurement of the technologies across Oman.
This approach is intended to ensure that future expansion decisions are supported by operational performance, consumer demand and commercial viability.
Supporting Oman Vision 2040
The new agreements underline Hyundai Motor Group’s growing role in Oman’s sustainable mobility strategy and the country’s wider ambitions under Oman Vision 2040.
By combining hydrogen-powered public transport, ultra-fast electric vehicle charging and smart city cooperation, the partnership creates a foundation for cleaner and more sustainable transportation while supporting Oman’s efforts to modernize its urban infrastructure and advance its carbon neutrality ambitions.
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