Hyundai Motor Tops Guangzhou Hydrogen Bus Bid in China: "Building a Hydrogen Ecosystem"

Development of the 8.5m Hydrogen Bus with Kaiwo Group

Hyundai Motor Group is partnering with China's Kaiwo Group to supply hydrogen fuel cell buses in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China, taking steps to build a hydrogen industry ecosystem.

On November 18, Hyundai Motor Group announced that the 8.5-meter hydrogen fuel cell bus, jointly developed by HTWO Guangzhou-a Chinese hydrogen fuel cell system subsidiary-and Chinese commercial vehicle manufacturer Kaiwo Group, has been selected as the top bidder in the comprehensive evaluation for the "Hydrogen Fuel Cell City Bus Procurement Project" announced by Guangzhou State-owned Bus Group, a local state-owned bus operator.

8.5m hydrogen fuel cell bus jointly developed by Chinese hydrogen fuel cell system corporation 'HTWO Guangzhou' and Chinese 'Kaiwo Group'. Hyundai Motor Company

Through this project, Guangzhou State-owned Bus Group plans to introduce a total of 50 hydrogen buses, 25 of which will be supplied by HTWO Guangzhou and Kaiwo Group. The introduction of hydrogen buses is expected to accelerate the eco-friendly transition of Guangzhou’s public transportation system, which has so far been centered on electric buses.

This collaboration is a result of HTWO Guangzhou’s hydrogen fuel cell system being recognized for its outstanding quality and durability. HTWO Guangzhou is Hyundai Motor Group’s first overseas hydrogen fuel cell system plant and serves as a key hub for the hydrogen business in China. By the end of this year, HTWO Guangzhou plans to supply hydrogen fuel cell systems locally that can be applied to more than 1,000 vehicles.

In addition, the local research and development, commercial vehicle production experience, and market operation capabilities of Kaiwo Group, a leading Chinese new energy commercial vehicle company, have been incorporated.

The hydrogen bus features a concept of "harmony between straight and curved lines," offering a spacious and convenient boarding area through a low-floor structure and custom roof design. For the first time in the industry, a streamlined front door and a rear overhang measuring less than 1.1 meters have been applied. This not only improves the vehicle's driving performance but also secures a large 6.1-meter flat interior area, providing comfortable space and ease of boarding and alighting.

Notably, the bus is equipped with a 90kW hydrogen fuel cell system, achieving a power generation efficiency of 64%, surpassing that of traditional internal combustion engines. It can travel long distances with just a five-minute refueling, and the maximum combined driving range is 576 kilometers according to local standards.

A representative from HTWO Guangzhou stated, "This achievement demonstrates that HTWO Guangzhou’s advanced technology is being recognized and deeply rooted in the Chinese market. Based on the friendly relationship between Korea and China, we will expand research, development, and investment, and jointly build a hydrogen industry ecosystem with more partners to contribute to China’s green development and carbon neutrality goals."