Korean automaker Hyundai has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with KD Transportation and SK E&S to provide 1,000 hydrogen buses by 2027.
The primary goal of the partnership between Hyundai, KD Transportation, and SK E&S is to accelerate the adoption of hydrogen buses as a clean and efficient mode of public transportation. By replacing a substantial portion of KD Transportation’s existing fleet with hydrogen-powered buses, the initiative aims to contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality, particularly in urban areas like Seoul and the surrounding Gyeonggi province.
Hyundai’s plan involves deploying hydrogen buses equipped with fuel-cell technology, which emit only water vapor as exhaust, making them environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional diesel buses. SK E&S will play a crucial role in building and supplying hydrogen to six liquid hydrogen refueling sites strategically located throughout the designated operational area. While liquid hydrogen filling stations offer shorter refueling times compared to compressed gas stations, the process of liquefaction requires energy-intensive cooling to extremely low temperatures (-253°C).
The introduction of 1,000 hydrogen buses into KD Transportation’s fleet represents a significant step towards achieving South Korea’s broader targets for hydrogen adoption in transportation. With the country aiming to deploy 21,200 hydrogen buses and establish over 660 hydrogen filling stations by 2030, partnerships like the one between Hyundai, KD Transportation, and SK E&S are instrumental in realizing these ambitious goals.
