[Upcoming Hydrogen Economy] Future Mobility Created by Railroad Company Hyundai Rotem

Diversifying Hydrogen Portfolio
Preparing for Carbon Neutral Era with Hydrogen Electric Tram

Hyundai Rotem is making efforts to diversify its portfolio in the hydrogen sector. Following its entry into hydrogen shipment facilities, production facilities, and charging facilities businesses, the company is now on the verge of completing the final development of a hydrogen fuel cell tram that utilizes hydrogen energy. This move appears to be in preparation for the full-scale carbon-neutral era in response to the increasing demand for eco-friendly energy.

The hydrogen fuel cell tram is gaining attention as an eco-friendly public transportation means responsible for smooth mobility within complex urban areas. By applying hydrogen fuel cells, the hydrogen fuel cell tram can replace existing electric-powered trains in the railway sector, and it reduces fine dust by approximately 800 micrograms (㎍; one-millionth of a gram) per hour during the operation of the hydrogen fuel cells. Its use of high-efficiency energy also helps reduce operating costs. By contributing to decarbonization and greenhouse gas reduction, it is expected to strengthen the competitiveness of the hydrogen economy and promote its popularization.

Perspective view of Hyundai Rotem hydrogen tram and hydrogen refueling facility.
[Photo by Hyundai Rotem]

On the 14th, Hyundai Rotem unveiled the hydrogen fuel cell tram under development for the first time at the International Railway Technology Industry Exhibition held at BEXCO in Busan. This was the first public presentation of the hydrogen fuel cell tram, three years after development began in 2021. Hyundai Rotem has been developing core technologies such as hydrogen fuel cell systems, hydrogen storage systems, and energy management systems to commercialize the hydrogen fuel cell tram. After completing test runs and moving to mass production, the company also aims to enter overseas markets.

Hyundai Rotem is expected to contribute to the localization of parts and the cultivation of the industrial ecosystem by securing technology and development capabilities for hydrogen fuel cell trams. Following the expansion trend of the hydrogen fuel cell and tram markets, it is also anticipated that the company will be able to respond to related demand in domestic and international markets.

Starting with the hydrogen fuel cell tram, Hyundai Rotem plans to develop a lineup of hydrogen vehicle types step by step. After developing the hydrogen fuel cell tram, the company intends to develop various eco-friendly vehicle types such as hydrogen-based multiple units, locomotives, and high-speed trains to respond to future markets and advance related technologies.

Since last year, Hyundai Rotem has also embarked on developing wheeled armored vehicles and tanks equipped with hydrogen fuel cells as part of a national project. The goal is to achieve superior performance in all aspects, including mobility, firepower, protection, and target strike capability, compared to existing tanks. Additionally, by installing large-capacity hydrogen fuel cells, the company plans to reduce noise and significantly enhance the combat performance of tanks in terms of energy efficiency and operational range.

Hyundai Rotem hydrogen extractor factory view. [Photo by Hyundai Rotem]

Hyundai Rotem is accelerating efforts to secure integrated solution capabilities necessary for building hydrogen infrastructure, including hydrogen extractors that can stably produce hydrogen, hydrogen charging stations, and hydrogen shipment centers. To ensure stable production of hydrogen extractors, the company completed a hydrogen extractor factory at its Uiwang Research Center in 2020. It has also secured technology for hydrogen dispensers, essential equipment at hydrogen charging stations. A hydrogen dispenser is a charging device that injects hydrogen into hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, similar to a fuel pump at a regular gas station. Hyundai Rotem has also developed mobile hydrogen charging station technology capable of charging hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. The mobile hydrogen charging station is designed to be mounted on a vehicle, allowing it to be mobile. It is gaining attention as a solution to hydrogen charging blind spots, such as charging hydrogen construction equipment at construction sites and emergency response vehicles for hydrogen charging.

According to the Korean Green Classification System established by the Ministry of Environment to activate the green economy, Hyundai Rotem generated 48.2% of its sales from eco-friendly businesses in 2021. A Hyundai Rotem official stated, "We will strengthen our capabilities to comprehensively respond to diverse demands in the hydrogen market, including infrastructure and mobility, and establish ourselves as a leading company in the related sectors."