Commercialization of 'Hydrogen Electric Tram' Applying Hydrogen Vehicle Technology Imminent

The government will begin performance testing of hydrogen electric trams starting next month. Following hydrogen cars, hydrogen trains are also approaching commercialization.

On the 31st, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy held a performance presentation for the hydrogen electric tram demonstration project and discussed future plans at the Romansys Chilseo factory in Haman-gun, Gyeongnam.

From next month until August, the government will conduct a cumulative 500 km driving safety and performance test run demonstration of hydrogen electric trams on the Osong test track.

Additionally, from September to December, comprehensive performance verification and optimized operation demonstrations will be conducted at Ulsan Station Port. By February next year, a technical standard plan for hydrogen electric trams will be prepared, and safety design and conformity assessments of hydrogen systems will be carried out with overseas verification agencies.

The first hydrogen electric tram made with domestic technology is a large-scale project involving a total of 22 companies, research institutes, and universities, including Hyundai Rotem. Despite the short period of two years and six months, it is regarded as an exemplary research and development (R&D) case that shortened technology development costs and time by utilizing world-class hydrogen electric vehicle technology.

On the day, Joo Young-jun, Director of Industrial Policy at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, inspected the technology development site where core technologies such as fuel cell systems for hydrogen trams, hydrogen storage systems, and energy management systems were secured, and the actual vehicle for track demonstration was completed.

He then visited the Hyundai Rotem Changwon factory, the site of the first project applying hydrogen car technology to the military, the 'Hydrogen Fuel Cell Wheeled Armored Vehicle Technology Development' project, and listened to the current issues and difficulties of participating companies.