Hyundai Rotem has entered into a landmark agreement with the Daejeon city administration, marking its first venture into supplying hydrogen trams.
According to the agreement, the South Korean manufacturer will deliver 34 H2 model trams, which are set to operate on Daejeon’s second metro line from 2026 to 2028.
The H2 trams feature a hybrid traction system that incorporates batteries capable of storing regenerative energy along with hydrogen fuel cells. This advanced combination ensures an efficient and environmentally friendly transportation solution.
With hydrogen storage tanks located on top of the carriages, each tram boasts a range of 200 kilometers on a single refuel. The trams generate electricity through a chemical reaction where incoming air is purified of dust and impurities in the fuel cells.
One of the standout features of the hydrogen trams is their ability to emit purified air, thereby contributing to an improved environmental status. Hyundai Rotem estimates that each tram can purify 107.6 kilograms of air per hour of operation. Scaling this up, 1,000 such trams are capable of offsetting emissions equivalent to 4,000 diesel vehicles.
In addition to supplying the trams, Hyundai Rotem will install signaling and traffic management systems for the new metro line. The entire contract with the Daejeon city administration is valued at $201 million.
The development of the hydrogen tram began several years ago, culminating in the display of a working prototype at the Korea Railways & Logistics Fair in Busan in the summer of 2023. The total expenditure for designing and manufacturing the tram was $31.9 million, with $22 million financed by the government.
This milestone contract signifies a considerable advancement in the realm of environmentally friendly urban transport for Hyundai Rotem. The company’s new technologies not only minimize harmful emissions but also play a pivotal role in enhancing air quality within urban areas.
