Hyundai Motor Releases New Hydrogen Electric Bus... Travels 960 km on a Single Charge

[Financial News] Hyundai Motor announced on the 6th that it will launch and start selling the improved model of the Universe hydrogen electric bus and the 2026 Universe model. The strategy is to lead the large bus market with differentiated product competitiveness.
The new Universe hydrogen electric bus is characterized by expanding customer choices by adding a new lineup and enhancing performance and specifications to improve product quality. Hyundai Motor has improved livability by newly adding a 12m prime trim to the Universe hydrogen electric bus, which was previously operated only with a single 11.7m specification.
The prime trim enhances convenience by standardizing features such as △driver's seat air conditioning △driver's seat smartphone wireless charger △driver's seat ventilated seat △cargo compartment remote locking device △LED reading light △step LED lamp.
The new hydrogen electric bus has improved durability by minimizing the connection parts between components through an integrated motor and transmission. It also enhances regenerative braking performance by applying a dual motor, minimizing disconnection during gear shifts while also improving driving performance. With a maximum fuel cell system output of 180 kW and a high-output lithium-ion battery of 48.2 kWh, it can travel up to 960.4 km on a single charge.
Safety has also been significantly enhanced. Through the 'high-voltage battery fire 5-minute delay structure', it delays flame exposure to the outside of the battery for at least 5 minutes after thermal runaway occurs, and provides battery overheating guidance to customers by displaying warning lights, warning sounds, and warning messages within 1 minute of thermal runaway. In the event of a vehicle collision, devices are applied to shut off hydrogen and battery high voltage power, such as locking the hydrogen valve and stopping the charging and discharging of the high-voltage battery, to prevent secondary accidents.
The Universe hydrogen electric bus is equipped with new premium seats. The new premium seats feature various convenience features such as △height-adjustable headrest △expandable legrest △cup holder △map pocket △hand grip △27W high-speed charging USB port (C-type), enhancing seat comfort and providing a comfortable travel experience by expanding knee space.
For the 2026 Universe, the basic trim's specifications have been enhanced and premium features have been added to the upper trim to improve product competitiveness.
Hyundai Motor has standardized the tire pressure warning device across all trims of the 2026 Universe, and has applied the driver's seat air conditioning and multifunction driver's seat, which were optional in the basic trim Elegance, as standard.
In addition, the upper trim Prime EX and above are equipped with the same new premium seats as the Universe hydrogen electric bus to increase customer satisfaction.
A Hyundai Motor official said, "Hyundai Motor is continuously striving to lead the hydrogen society," adding, "We ask for a lot of interest from customers in the newly introduced 12m-class Universe hydrogen electric bus."



one1@fnnews.com Jeong Won-il Reporter