Hyundai Motor Group pioneers hydrogen mobility in NEOM to drive sustainable transport
A pioneering hydrogen mobility trial in Trojena has been successfully completed.
Hyundai Motor Group, in partnership with Enowa, NEOM’s energy and water subsidiary, have announced this achievement, marking the first deployment of hydrogen-powered vehicles in high-altitude mountain topography.
Hyundai operated its hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) coach bus, UNIVERSE, on a mountainous route in Trojena, reaching elevations of up to 2,080 meters and gradients of 24 per cent. Simulating passenger transport from NEOM’s future core business district to Trojena, the trial demonstrated vehicle performance and the practicality of hydrogen in high-altitude conditions.
Video courtesy of ©Hyundai Motor Group
This achievement builds on a comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed with NEOM’s mobility sector in September 2024 to explore bringing next-generation zero-emission mobility solutions to the area.
With Enowa having recently installed the region’s first hydrogen refuelling station, capable of supporting a range of hydrogen-powered vehicles, Hyundai was able to operate a UNIVERSE Fuel Cell bus for VIP transport in NEOM from October to December 2024.
This successful trial in NEOM marks an important step in advancing Saudi Arabia’s vision, aimed at driving economic transformation and fostering future industries. Hyundai Motor Group and NEOM can build on this milestone by broadening their collaboration in sustainable solutions, underscoring their shared commitment to a decarbonised future.
In collaboration with NEOM and Enowa, Hyundai released a video to share its journey, capturing the UNIVERSE Fuel Cell bus navigating Trojena’s mountain terrain alongside interviews with the project partners. The film highlights Hyundai Motor Group’s shared commitment to advancing sustainable mobility solutions in NEOM by demonstrating hydrogen technology in varied real-world conditions.
For more information, visit www.hyundai.com.