Hyundai Motor Company and Iveco Group N.V. made a groundbreaking announcement at Busworld 2023 in Brussels with the unveiling of the IVECO BUS E-WAY H2, a new addition to the IVECO BUS zero-emission solutions for urban environments. This venture marks another substantial achievement resulting from the strategic partnership announced by the two companies in March 2022.
The IVECO BUS E-WAY H2 is a 12-meter-long low-floor city bus designed to operate in urban settings, and it boasts an impressive array of cutting-edge technologies. At its core, the vehicle features a powerful 310-kW electric motor, along with an advanced fuel cell system sourced from HTWO, which is a hydrogen-focused brand under the Hyundai Motor Group umbrella. This collaboration is driving innovation in the field of sustainable transportation.
The heart of this hydrogen-powered bus is its advanced fuel cell system, supplied by HTWO, a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Group that specializes in hydrogen technology. This system is a pivotal component of the vehicle, enabling it to harness the power of hydrogen to generate electricity and propel the bus, all while emitting zero harmful emissions into the atmosphere.
To complement the fuel cell system, the IVECO BUS E-WAY H2 is equipped with four hydrogen tanks, capable of storing a combined total of 7.8 kilograms of hydrogen. This substantial storage capacity ensures the bus has ample fuel to power its journey. Additionally, the vehicle incorporates a 69 kWh battery pack, provided by FPT Industrial, a brand within the Iveco Group known for its expertise in powertrain technologies. This combination of hydrogen and battery technology provides the bus with an impressive driving range of 450 kilometers under standard operating conditions, making it a reliable and practical solution for urban transportation.
One of the standout features of the E-WAY H2 is its flexibility when it comes to refueling and recharging. This bus is designed to facilitate both hydrogen refueling and plug-in battery charging. This dual approach offers cities and operators a versatile solution to meet their specific needs and infrastructure capabilities. It ensures that the bus can remain in operation without disruption, promoting greater adoption of eco-friendly transportation solutions.
The development of the E-WAY H2 represents a significant step forward in sustainable transportation. Iveco BUS, the division responsible for this innovative mid-power concept, has meticulously designed the hybrid system to maximize the efficiency and longevity of both the onboard battery pack and the fuel cell system. This thoughtful engineering approach contributes to the overall sustainability and cost-effectiveness of the bus, making it an attractive choice for city transit systems aiming to reduce their environmental footprint.
Production of the IVECO BUS E-WAY H2 will take place at Iveco BUS manufacturing facilities in Annonay, France, and Foggia, Italy. This global reach ensures that this remarkable hydrogen-powered bus will be accessible to a wide range of urban environments, contributing to the reduction of carbon emissions and the promotion of cleaner and more sustainable public transportation options.
Ken Ramirez, Executive Vice President and Head of Global Commercial Vehicle & Hydrogen Business at Hyundai Motor Company, expressed the significance of this milestone. He highlighted Hyundai’s long-standing leadership in hydrogen technology and emphasized the vital role of hydrogen fuel cell mobility in achieving a sustainable society. Hyundai’s commitment to partnership with Iveco Group underscores their shared vision for a net-zero transformation in the industry, furthering their mission of progress for humanity.
Domenico Nucera, President of the Bus Business Unit at Iveco Group, echoed this sentiment. He emphasized the fruitful collaboration between the two companies, stating that it demonstrates the potential to create an environmentally friendly and climate-conscious transportation system, ultimately working towards a healthier and more sustainable future for generations to come.
