Hyundai Hydrogen Bus: A New Era for Israeli Public Transport
Israel has unveiled the Hyundai ELEC CITY Fuel Cell bus, powered by hydrogen fuel cells. With fast refueling and a range of up to 550 km, this technology offers a promising alternative to battery-electric buses.
For the first time in Israel, a city bus powered by hydrogen fuel cells, the Hyundai ELEC CITY Fuel Cell model, has been unveiled. The vehicle was brought to the country by the Colmobil Group, the Hyundai importer in Israel, in cooperation with Bazan and Sonol, to test the technology and adapt it for local public transport.
The bus emits no pollutants during operation, with water vapor being the only byproduct. It measures approximately 11 meters in length, 2.49 meters in width, and 3.4 meters in height. The interior features 48 seats and is equipped with systems designed to enhance passenger and driver comfort and safety.
The bus utilizes FCEV technology, where electricity is generated in real-time through a chemical reaction between compressed hydrogen and oxygen from the air. A full refueling takes only 10 to 15 minutes, providing a driving range of up to 550 km.
The vehicle includes a digital dashboard, electronic gear shifting, automatic air conditioning, USB ports, and LED lighting. Advanced safety features include dynamic stability control, door sensors that prevent acceleration during boarding and alighting, and an acoustic warning system for pedestrians to address the near-silent operation of the electric motor.
Infrastructure support is provided by Sonol, which established the first hydrogen refueling station in the Yagur area, and Bazan, which developed the transport, testing, and laboratory infrastructure. Colmobil is responsible for importing the vehicle and implementing the technology, building on its experience with hydrogen trucks already in operation.
Data indicates that three hydrogen trucks currently operating in Israel have reduced carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 300 tons and nitrogen oxides by 1,500 kg compared to diesel equivalents.
Interest in hydrogen buses arises from the challenges associated with battery-based electric transport. Unlike electric buses, which require high-capacity charging infrastructure and long downtime, hydrogen technology allows for relatively fast refueling, making it highly suitable for intensive, long-distance daily operations.
Hyundai has been mass-producing hydrogen buses since 2019, with over a thousand units sold globally, primarily in South Korea and Europe. The possibility of integrating this technology in Israel is currently being evaluated as part of efforts to reduce urban air pollution.
