Hyundai Rotem's Hydrogen Electric Locomotive and EMU Win Main Prize at Germany's 'iF Design Award'

One of the World's Top Three Design Awards

Hydrogen Mobility Demonstrates Design Competitiveness

Hyundai Rotem's hydrogen electric locomotive and hydrogen electric vehicle have been recognized for the design competitiveness of K-Rail by winning main prizes at the German iF Design Awards, which is considered one of the world's top three design awards.

On March 10, Hyundai Rotem announced that both its hydrogen electric locomotive and hydrogen electric vehicle had each won a main prize at the 'iF Design Award 2026 (International Forum Design Award 2026)' in Germany, achieving a double crown. The iF Design Award is regarded as one of the world's top three design awards, alongside the 'IDEA Design Award' and the 'Red Dot Design Award'.

Hyundai Rotem's hydrogen electric locomotive and hydrogen electric vehicle both won main prizes at the 2026 German iF Design Awards, achieving a double crown. Photo by Hyundai Rotem.

The hydrogen electric locomotive and hydrogen electric vehicle are hydrogen mobility models currently being developed by Hyundai Rotem. They correspond to the traditional locomotive (a vehicle that pulls passenger cars without their own power) and the electric multiple unit (a train in which each car has its own power source), respectively. Following the hydrogen electric tram, which is scheduled to begin operation in cities such as Daejeon and Ulsan, these models are strategic products expected to drive the expansion of the hydrogen mobility market in the rail sector.

Hyundai Rotem's hydrogen mobility offers a new standard for sustainable mobility in the rail industry, based on three core design philosophies: purity, simplicity, and symbolism.

For the first time, the two hydrogen mobility models feature an 'H'-shaped side graphic design, which is set to become a signature element of Hyundai Rotem's hydrogen mobility. The gradually spreading grid pattern, originating from the H shape that symbolizes both Hyundai Rotem and hydrogen, expresses the vision of proliferating hydrogen mobility.

The hydrogen electric locomotive presents a robust first impression that reflects its powerful dynamic performance. The soft line descending from the roof to the front window transforms into more angular and dynamic lines towards the lower section, creating a front-end design that harmoniously combines the sustainability and strength of hydrogen energy.

The hydrogen electric vehicle features a low-floor structure, making it accessible for passengers with mobility challenges, and a smoothly contoured front end that represents the sustainable value of hydrogen energy. Centered around the rounded lines at the front, the design emphasizes softness by applying separate covers to the wiper rotation axis and the lower crash energy management (CEM) device, and by adding a sense of dimensionality to the upper LED indicator. These elements reduce the industrial feel and add warmth to the overall design.

A Hyundai Rotem representative said, "This award is recognition of Hyundai Rotem's commitment and design philosophy in realizing hydrogen mobility in the rail sector. We will continue to lead global design trends and further strengthen our design competitiveness across the rail industry to deliver new value to our customers."

Previously, in 2023, Hyundai Rotem became the first in the domestic rail industry to win a global design award by receiving a main prize at the iF Design Awards for its hydrogen electric tram. Unlike conventional trains, Hyundai Rotem's hydrogen mobility produces electricity using hydrogen fuel cells installed on the vehicle. Therefore, there is no need to install infrastructure such as overhead wires for power supply, and there are no direct carbon emissions during operation.

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