Hyundai Motor Group’s hydrogen energy business in China has once again achieved meaningful results.
Hyundai Motor Group announced on the 12th (Friday) that the 8.5m hydrogen electric bus (hereinafter referred to as hydrogen bus), jointly developed by HTWO (H2) Guangzhou, a Chinese hydrogen fuel cell system corporation, and Kaiwo Group, a Chinese commercial vehicle company, was ranked first in the overall evaluation as a result of the bidding for the ‘Hydrogen Fuel Cell City Bus Purchase Project‘ announced by Guangzhou National Bus Group, a state-owned local bus business enterprise, on the 9th (Tuesday).
Guangzhou National Bus Group plans to introduce a total of 450 hydrogen buses through this project, and HTWO Guangzhou and Kaiwo Group have received orders for 224 units, about half of them. This is the largest order among hydrogen bus procurement projects carried out to date in China.
Previously, last November, HTWO Guangzhou and Kaiwo Group ranked first in the comprehensive evaluation in the bidding conducted by Guangzhou State Bus Group and received orders for 25 out of 50 hydrogen buses.
HTWO Guangzhou and Kaiwo Group plan to supply a total of 249 hydrogen buses to Guangzhou State Bus Group within the year.
This bid evaluation is the result of great recognition for the excellent quality and durability of the 8.5m hydrogen bus jointly developed by HTWO Guangzhou and Kaiwo Group.
Hyundai Motor Group has world-class hydrogen fuel cell system research, development and mass production capabilities based on hydrogen technology accumulated over 28 years.
HTWO Guangzhou is carrying out Hyundai Motor Group’s fuel cell system production and technology localization mission in China, and in recognition of its excellent technology, it will procure more than 1,000 vehicles equipped with hydrogen fuel cell systems by the end of the year, including the supply of hydrogen buses.
In addition, the abundant research and development and commercial vehicle production experience and market operation capabilities of Kaiwo Group, a leading company in the new energy commercial vehicle field in China, were harmonized with HTWO Guangzhou.
The 8.5m hydrogen bus is equipped with HTWO Guangzhou’s 90kW (kilowatt) hydrogen fuel cell system, which not only surpasses existing internal combustion engines with a power generation efficiency of 64%, but also enables long-distance driving with 5 minutes of hydrogen charging. The combined driving distance reaches up to 576km based on local standards.
In addition, the 8.5m hydrogen bus is characterized by providing a spacious and convenient riding space through a low floor structure and customized roof design. The streamlined front door and short rear overhang design of less than 1.1m are applied for the first time in the industry, improving the vehicle’s drivability while securing a large flat area of 6.1m inside, providing comfortable living and convenience of getting on and off.
HTWO Guangzhou plans to further solidify its leading position in the hydrogen energy market through the introduction of this hydrogen bus.
In addition, HTWO Guangzhou is expected to contribute to the transformation of local eco-friendly transportation infrastructure, as Guangzhou City recently included hydrogen energy as an important element to reduce carbon in the transportation sector and improve energy efficiency.
An official from HTWO Guangzhou said, “This order is the largest among hydrogen bus procurement projects in China and clearly demonstrates HTWO Guangzhou’s technological prowess and Hyundai Motor Group’s localization strategy and execution capabilities,” adding, “HTWO Guangzhou will work with local partners to demonstrate hydrogen fuel cell technology and build an ecosystem to ensure that hydrogen can become a major option for clean transportation in Guangzhou.”
Meanwhile, HTWO is Hyundai Motor Group’s hydrogen brand and business platform that is expanding domestic and global business encompassing hydrogen production, transportation, storage, and utilization by combining the group’s capabilities. In addition, we are further accelerating the expansion of the ecosystem through cooperation and investment with external partners.
HTWO Guangzhou is the first hydrogen fuel cell system plant built overseas by Hyundai Motor Group and is a key base for Hyundai Motor Group’s hydrogen business in China. Since its completion in 2023, we have been strengthening cooperation with local companies and promoting the establishment and spread of hydrogen technology in China.
