Hyundai Motor Group has concluded a hydrogen bus trial in Trojena, a mountainous region within NEOM, the planned smart and sustainable urban area being developed in northwest Saudi Arabia.
The trial, conducted in collaboration with Enowa—NEOM’s energy and water subsidiary—tested the Group’s UNIVERSE hydrogen fuel cell electric bus under high-altitude and steep-gradient conditions.
The test marks the first use of hydrogen-powered transport in Trojena’s elevated landscape. The bus operated on a route simulating a future passenger service between NEOM’s core business district and Trojena, reaching altitudes of up to 2,080 metres and gradients as steep as 24 percent. The trial assessed vehicle performance and hydrogen fuel cell viability in demanding geographical conditions.
This initiative builds upon a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between Hyundai Motor Group and NEOM’s Mobility sector in September 2024. The agreement supports collaborative exploration of zero-emission mobility solutions aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the national economy and promote sustainable development.
As part of this effort, Enowa recently installed NEOM’s first hydrogen refuelling station. This facility enabled Hyundai’s hydrogen bus to operate as a VIP transport service from October to December 2024.
The successful operation in Trojena demonstrates the potential for hydrogen technology in areas with complex topography. It also reflects an ongoing partnership between Hyundai Motor Group, NEOM, and Enowa to support the development of a hydrogen-based transport infrastructure in the region.
Hyundai has produced a video documenting the trial, featuring the bus in operation and interviews with project collaborators. The footage aims to provide insight into the practical applications of hydrogen mobility in varied environments.
