Wiener Linien has launched a Hyundai fuel cell bus trial, marking the first time the South Korean manufacturer's hydrogen bus hits European roads. Developed in collaboration with Slovenian company TAM, the bus features 700-bar hydrogen tanks, offering advanced range and quick refueling capabilities.

• For city bus services

• Proven fuel cell technology

• Construction according to the latest European standards

• 12 meters long with 3 doors

• 350 bar and 700 bar refueling option

• Series production planned from 2026

In 2021, a unique development in the field of hydrogen-electric city buses began in Austria. As part of the FFG HyBus project, the first two hydrogen-electric "ELEC CITY" buses from Hyundai in Korean specifications were brought to Austria, becoming the first Hyundai buses ever to be used in public transport in Europe.

Since then, both Wiener Linien and Holding Graz have been testing the Hyundai hydrogen bus ELEC CITY extensively and to their complete satisfaction. Hyundai's hydrogen-electric drive, with ranges of up to 750 kilometers, regardless of weather conditions, has been particularly impressive.

A new generation of the bus has now been delivered to Wiener Linien for a three-year trial period. Hyundai Motor Company in Korea developed a new chassis, which is now being used for the first time outside of Asia. The Slovenian bus specialist TAM-Europe completed the bus with a specially developed body and tested it. The now presented three-door, 12-meter bus thus meets all European requirements in terms of specifications and modernity. Another special feature of the new bus is the ability to refuel at 350 bar or 700 bar.

Series production of the ELEC CITY FC 12 is planned for 2026.

"With the development of the Hyundai ELEC CITY FC 12, unique work has been accomplished in the field of hydrogen electric mobility: Hyundai's H2 technology combined with a body developed to the highest European standards. Built by a globally recognized bus manufacturer. Complemented by innovations such as the 350 and 700 bar refueling option. The result is a sustainable bus solution that will contribute significantly to the further development of climate-neutral public transport. Initiated and implemented by Hyundai in Austria."

Mag. Roland Punzengruber, Managing Director of Hyundai Import GmbH

"Challenging specifications and the combination of core competencies of two global players in hydrogen mobility and bus construction, along with the integration of proven, high-quality European components and systems, have resulted in a product that can be considered a milestone in future public transport. I am very grateful to be part of this development."

Thomas Kantor, Project Manager Hyundai Import GmbH

Hyundai Import GmbH is a wholly owned subsidiary of Wolfgang Denzel Auto AG, one of Austria's 100 largest companies.

Founded in 1992, the Hyundai import organization for Austria has experienced rapid growth and strong development in recent years, based on numerous innovations, and has been the No. 1 Asian brand in Austria for 16 years. With a total of 47 employees and a nationwide network of over 103 Hyundai dealerships and 129 Hyundai workshops throughout Austria, Hyundai, headquartered in Vienna, offers reliable service and the best advice for new and used car purchases.

TAM-Europe doo

TAM-Europe doo was founded in 2011 as part of a multinational conglomerate and integrated into the traditional Slovenian brand TAM in 2012. Today, commercial vehicles, particularly buses, are developed and produced under the TAM-EUROPE brand. The company is one of the world's leading suppliers of airport buses.

Based in Maribor, Slovenia, TAM-EUROPE combines state-of-the-art engineering, European production standards, and cost efficiency through the optimal use of global resources. TAM-EUROPE combines the knowledge and expertise of a European bus manufacturer with 78 years of experience in the commercial vehicle industry, built up by highly qualified employees and today strengthened by its integration into a multinational group with extensive resources in the vehicle industry. This means that TAM-EUROPE meets the highest standards of products and services. TAM-Europe's products embody the "Green Vehicle Concept" and meet the requirements of the 21st century while simultaneously addressing the economic challenges of the transport industry. Through high quality standards and consistent customer focus, innovative, sustainable, and cost-effective solutions for modern passenger transport are created.

Source:  FCW Team