Other OEMs’ may have turned their back on hydrogen as a viable fuel for future mobility but one OEM continues to push the boundaries for the alternative power source.
Hyundai Motor Group has undertaken a hydrogen mobility trial in Trojena in northwest Saudi Arabia where a bus travelled at altitudes above 200m and on gradients as steep as 24 per cent.
The trial is part of Hyundai’s zero-emission mobility and was conducted with Enowa’s whose hydrogen refuelling station supported the trial.
Slow interest
Last month Stellantis, the maker of Crysler, Jeep, Citroen Fiat among other, decided to shift away from the hydrogen development based on mid-term market prospects and highlighted the challenges in this alternative fuel.
While there have been some inroads in Australia by the CSIRO, Hyundai and Toyota, sales of new vehicles have remained in single digits and there has been no general uptake by motorists with only tow new passenger vehicles sold up until June 2025.
The prospects in commercial transport have been more promising in the EU.
Hydrogen tested in the middle of the oil world
The Hyundai test in Saudi Arabia was also conducted with Saudi Vision 2030 Saudi Arabia’s goals for economic diversification and environmental sustainability.
The EV Report said the trial involved Hyundai’s UNIVERSE Fuel Cell bus, a hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle using a mountainous route in Trojena with gradients of up to 24 percent.
The route simulated passenger transport from the CBD of the future concept city NEOM to Trojena, demonstrating the vehicle’s performance in demanding conditions, EV Report said.
“The successful operation highlights the potential of hydrogen mobility in complex topographies, paving the way for broader adoption in sustainable transport systems.”
Innovation
Hyundai Motor Group’s expertise in hydrogen technology began in the late 1990s and has its own dedicated hydrogen brand, HTWO.
This is also part of the Korean OEM’s broad vision for future mobility called the Hyundai Motor Way.
Hyundai is advancing the global energy transition by developing an end-to-end hydrogen ecosystem, from production and storage to application.
NEOM, envisioned as a living laboratory for innovation, provides an ideal testing ground for such initiatives.
Trojena, located on Jebel al Lawz and offering elevations from 1,500 to 2,500 meters, features a unique climate with sub-zero winter temperatures, enabling the Gulf’s first outdoor ski experience.
The partnership with NEOM and Enowa strengthens Hyundai’s role in developing reliable hydrogen infrastructure for decarbonized mobility.