Hyundai Motor Group, in partnership with Enowa, NEOM’s energy and water subsidiary, has successfully completed a pioneering hydrogen mobility trial in Trojena, the mountainous region of NEOM. This milestone marks the first deployment of hydrogen-powered vehicles in high-altitude terrains, reinforcing Hyundai’s leadership in sustainable mobility.
First Hydrogen Trial in High-Altitude Conditions
The trial featured Hyundai’s hydrogen fuel cell electric coach bus, UNIVERSE, which navigated Trojena’s steep routes, climbing to 2,080 meters with gradients of up to 24 percent.
The test simulated passenger transport from NEOM’s future core business district to Trojena. It proved not only the performance of hydrogen-powered vehicles in mountain conditions but also the practicality of fuel cell technology for real-world applications.
Building on Strategic Partnerships
This achievement follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with NEOM Mobility in September 2024. The agreement focuses on deploying next-generation zero-emission mobility solutions across NEOM.
Supporting this trial, Enowa recently set up the region’s first hydrogen refuelling station, capable of servicing a wide range of hydrogen vehicles. The facility enabled Hyundai to operate the UNIVERSE Fuel Cell bus for VIP transport in NEOM between October and December 2024.
Driving Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030
The successful trial highlights Hyundai’s role in advancing Saudi Arabia’s economic transformation under Vision 2030, while strengthening the country’s position as a hub for future mobility and clean energy industries.
Through this collaboration, Hyundai Motor Group and NEOM plan to expand their efforts in hydrogen-based sustainable solutions, further showcasing their commitment to a carbon-neutral future.
Story Captured in Film
In collaboration with NEOM and Enowa, Hyundai has released a video documentary capturing the journey of the UNIVERSE Fuel Cell bus through Trojena’s mountain landscape. The film includes insights from project partners and underlines Hyundai’s vision of real-world hydrogen deployment in varied conditions.
Hyundai’s Hydrogen Legacy
Hyundai’s hydrogen journey began in the late 1990s with dedicated research and development. Today, the Group advances hydrogen adoption through its dedicated brand, HTWO, which covers the entire hydrogen value chain—from production and storage to applications.
By positioning HTWO as an open global platform for collaboration and investment, Hyundai continues to accelerate the hydrogen economy while aligning with both Saudi Vision 2030 and global climate goals.