Hyundai Hydrogen Cars to Run in Saudi Arabia

Hyundai Motor, Hanjayeon, Air Products Quadra, SAPTCO
Sign MOU for Cooperation in Creating Hydrogen Mobility Ecosystem
Supply Hydrogen Buses and Trucks... Provide Technical Services and Personnel

Hyundai Motor Company has decided to contribute to creating a hydrogen mobility ecosystem in Saudi Arabia. Hyundai's hydrogen vehicles are expected to operate in the world's largest oil-producing country.

On the 22nd (local time), Hyundai Motor signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with the Korea Automotive Technology Institute, Air Products Qudra, and Saudi public transportation company SAPTCO to establish and develop a local hydrogen mobility ecosystem. Air Products is a global industrial gas company headquartered in the United States, Qudra is a Saudi energy startup, and Air Products Qudra handles development and investment projects in the Middle East region. SAPTCO operates city and intercity buses in Riyadh and Mecca, as well as international buses traveling to neighboring countries such as the United Arab Emirates and Egypt.

Bard Albadr, Deputy Minister of Investment of Saudi Arabia (left), and Jang Jae-hoon, President of Hyundai Motor Company, shake hands after signing a memorandum of understanding to establish a hydrogen mobility ecosystem on the 22nd (local time).
[Photo by Hyundai Motor Group]

According to the MOU, they will supply vehicles to promote hydrogen mobility within Saudi Arabia, as well as provide technical services and human resources. They plan to build a hydrogen mobility ecosystem and conduct a demonstration project for hydrogen electric buses. Additionally, they will collaborate on government-supported research programs related to hydrogen vehicles and share publicly available data.

Hyundai Motor will sell or lease hydrogen vehicles to SAPTCO. Hyundai was the first in the world to establish a mass production system for hydrogen vehicles and has a track record of exporting hydrogen electric trucks. They possess hydrogen fuel cell system technology applicable to various mobility types, including passenger cars, commercial vehicles, ships, and aircraft.

The Korea Automotive Technology Institute will support the participation of Korean small and medium-sized enterprises in expanding local hydrogen mobility adoption. It will collect various demonstration data and play a role in increasing opportunities for hydrogen mobility research and development (R&D) cooperation, including workforce training and research.

Air Products Qudra will supply fuel for hydrogen mobility. They plan to establish businesses related to hydrogen production and the construction and operation of charging stations. SAPTCO will share hydrogen mobility operation and management data, vehicle data, and driver feedback. In the mid to long term, Hyundai will assist SAPTCO as a priority strategic partner in converting its fleet to hydrogen vehicles.

Hyundai Xcient Hydrogen Fuel Cell Truck
[Photo by Hyundai Motor Group]

The hydrogen business is a field that both South Korea and resource-rich Saudi Arabia are focusing on. Saudi Arabia has set the Saudi Vision 2030 strategy to move away from an oil-centered economic structure and achieve long-term growth. To achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2060, Saudi Arabia is promoting exchanges in various fields. In June this year, Abdulaziz bin Salman, Minister of Energy of Saudi Arabia, requested cooperation in the hydrogen sector from the South Korean government delegation visiting Saudi Arabia.

Hyundai Motor first exported two hydrogen electric buses to Saudi Arabia in 2020. The following year, it exported one hydrogen electric truck. Last year, Hyundai Motor Group signed a joint research agreement on ultra-lean combustion engines and eco-friendly synthetic fuels with Aramco and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology.

Jang Jae-hoon, President of Hyundai Motor, said, "This technological cooperation will lead the formation of a hydrogen ecosystem in Saudi Arabia," adding, "We will expand the adoption of hydrogen mobility in line with Saudi Arabia's efforts to transition to zero-emission vehicles." Na Seung-sik, President of the Korea Automotive Technology Institute, said, "We will play a bridgehead role in developing hydrogen buses suitable for Saudi Arabia's high-temperature climate environment and advancing overseas with finished vehicle and parts companies."

Hyundai Elec City Hydrogen Electric Bus
[Photo by Hyundai Motor Group]

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.