Hyundai Motor Group has successfully concluded a groundbreaking hydrogen mobility trial in Trojena, nestled within the mountainous region of NEOM. Conducted in partnership with Enowa, NEOM’s energy and water subsidiary, this project marks a historic milestone: the world’s first deployment of hydrogen-powered vehicles in such high-altitude terrains. The trial not only reinforces Hyundai’s technological leadership but also demonstrates the practical viability of hydrogen-powered transportation in extreme geographical conditions.
Testing Hydrogen-Powered Mobility in Harsh Mountain Conditions
The centerpiece of this trial was Hyundai’s hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) coach bus, aptly named UNIVERSE. It operated along a steep mountainous route in Trojena, climbing to elevations as high as 2,080 meters and managing gradients of up to 24 percent. This route simulated the future transportation network connecting NEOM’s core business district to the elevated resort zone of Trojena. The trial served to validate both the vehicle’s performance and hydrogen’s functionality in real-world, high-stress scenarios, setting a benchmark for sustainable mobility in rugged landscapes.
Laying the Foundation Through Strategic Collaboration
This achievement builds upon the memorandum of understanding signed in September 2024 between Hyundai Motor Group and NEOM’s Mobility sector. The agreement laid the groundwork for introducing next-generation zero-emission transport solutions tailored to NEOM’s futuristic infrastructure. This trial is one of the many initiatives stemming from that partnership, and it illustrates Hyundai’s long-term strategic vision for integrated, clean mobility ecosystems.
Infrastructure Paving the Way for Hydrogen Vehicles
A critical enabler of the trial was the installation of the region’s first hydrogen refueling station by Enowa. This infrastructure allowed Hyundai to operate the UNIVERSE Fuel Cell bus as a VIP transport vehicle across NEOM between October and December last year. The facility not only ensured logistical feasibility for the test but also demonstrated the scalability of hydrogen support systems in nascent clean cities like NEOM.
A Milestone in Saudi Arabia’s Clean Energy Vision
Hyundai’s successful demonstration feeds directly into the broader aspirations of Saudi Arabia’s economic transformation as outlined in Vision 2030. This initiative places emphasis on future-focused industries and sustainable development. The trial marks a tangible step forward in the realization of those goals, as Hyundai and NEOM deepen their collaboration around innovative, emission-free mobility solutions that align with both national and global climate commitments.
Communicating the Journey Through Visual Storytelling
To commemorate and document this achievement, Hyundai Motor Group collaborated with Enowa and NEOM to produce a compelling visual narrative. The film showcases the UNIVERSE Fuel Cell bus maneuvering through Trojena’s mountainous terrain, enriched with interviews from key project stakeholders. This content not only illustrates technical capabilities but also serves as an inspirational story of how cutting-edge innovation can thrive when supported by visionary partnerships.
A Legacy of Hydrogen Innovation Continues
Hyundai’s pursuit of hydrogen mobility in Saudi Arabia is not a recent phenomenon. The Group’s involvement dates back to the late 1990s when it initiated its first efforts in hydrogen technology development. The Trojena trial reflects the evolution of that legacy and its alignment with Hyundai’s broader goal of achieving sustainable, global-scale impact through clean energy mobility.
HTWO: Hyundai’s Hydrogen Future
Central to Hyundai’s hydrogen ambitions is HTWO, its dedicated brand and business platform for hydrogen technologies. Leveraging its complete ecosystem expertise, from production and storage to application, HTWO serves as a collaborative platform that invites investment, innovation, and partnership. Through HTWO, Hyundai is not just advancing vehicle technology but is actively contributing to the global hydrogen economy, cementing its role in the ongoing global energy transition.
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