Hyundai Motor has officially launched its 2026 model of the Universe Hydrogen Electric Bus, featuring advanced fuel cell technology and long-range capabilities. Equipped with a 180 kW hydrogen fuel cell system paired with a 48 kWh battery and a powerful 335 kW motor, the new coach delivers a driving range of approximately 450–500 km on a single fill‑up. The design blends practicality and elegance, with sleek LED lighting, flush glass, and a rear spoiler‑integrated roof that enhances aerodynamics.
The Universe bus offers seating for up to 46 passengers (plus driver) and comes in both single‑door and front‑plus‑middle‑door configurations. Its exterior balances clean lines and bold style, signaling Hyundai’s vision for the future of hydrogen‑powered mass transit.
Hyundai has advanced safety through an array of driver‑assist technologies. These include Smart Cruise Control, Forward Collision‑Avoidance Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Driver Status Warning, and a haptic (vibration) steering system designed to alert drivers in critical moments.
This development is part of a broader initiative to shift South Korea’s commuter bus fleets to clean energy. Hyundai signed agreements with entities including Wonder Mobility, the Ministry of Environment, Hyosung Hydrozen, and Samsung C&T to introduce up to 2,000 hydrogen fuel‑cell commuter buses by 2030. Key infrastructure investments—such as on‑site refuelling stations at Wonder Mobility garages—will support this transition, with government subsidies backing both vehicle procurement and station construction.
Hyundai’s hydrogen mobility initiatives are not confined to South Korea. In mid‑2025, Hyundai partnered with NEOM and its energy subsidiary Enowa in Saudi Arabia to conduct high‑altitude demonstrations of the Universe FCEV in Trojena, the mountainous region of NEOM. From May 17 to 27, the bus traversed routes at altitudes up to 2,080 meters with gradients as steep as 24 percent, underscoring hydrogen’s potential in demanding terrains. A new hydrogen refuelling station in the region enabled the trial.
Hyundai’s rollout of the 2026 Universe Hydrogen Electric Bus highlights its commitment to advancing hydrogen as a competitive, zero‑emission solution for heavy‑duty transit. With proven range, robust safety features, and adaptability to urban and extreme environments alike, the model is positioned as a cornerstone in the shift toward sustainable transportation.
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