Hyundai and NEOM Complete First Hydrogen Mobility Trial in Trojena Mountains

TDT | Manama

Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

Hyundai Motor Group, in partnership with Enowa, NEOM’s energy and water subsidiary, has successfully completed a groundbreaking hydrogen mobility trial in Trojena, the mountainous region of NEOM in Saudi Arabia. This marks the first time hydrogen-powered vehicles have been tested in high-altitude mountain conditions.

During the trial, Hyundai’s UNIVERSE hydrogen fuel cell electric bus traveled along steep routes in Trojena, reaching elevations of 2,080 meters and handling gradients as steep as 24 percent. The test simulated passenger transport between NEOM’s future core business district and Trojena, proving that hydrogen-powered mobility is practical and reliable even in challenging terrain.

The trial follows a memorandum of understanding signed in September 2024 between Hyundai and NEOM’s Mobility sector to explore next-generation zero-emission transport solutions. Enowa recently installed the region’s first hydrogen refueling station, which supported the operation of the UNIVERSE Fuel Cell bus for VIP transport in NEOM from October to December last year.

This achievement represents another step toward Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which focuses on economic transformation and sustainable industries. Hyundai and NEOM plan to expand their collaboration to deliver more clean mobility solutions in the future.

A video released by the partners captures the UNIVERSE Fuel Cell bus navigating Trojena’s rugged terrain and includes insights from project leaders, highlighting the shared commitment to a decarbonized future.

Hyundai has been investing in hydrogen technology since the late 1990s and continues to expand its HTWO hydrogen business platform, which supports everything from production to storage and application. This successful trial reinforces Hyundai’s role in advancing global hydrogen mobility and supporting a cleaner energy transition.