Hyundai Goes Electric Again… with a Double-Decker Bus!

Published on May 30, 2019 in Electric by Guillaume Rivard

Hyundai is starting to build quite a resume when it comes to electric vehicles.

After launching the IONIQ, the first car ever to offer hybrid, plug-in hybrid and all-electric variants on the same platform, and impressing the entire world with the Kona Electric, which provides a range of up to 415 kilometres for less than $45,000, the Korean automaker made a big statement this week.

And by “big,” we mean an electric double-decker bus.

Photo: Hyundai

That’s right: Hyundai has worked for the past 18 months on a project supported by the Korean Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. Their 70-passenger bus (11 seats on the first floor and 59 seats on the second floor) is equipped with a massive 384-kWh, water-cooled, high-efficiency polymer battery allowing it to cover a maximum of 300 kilometres between stops at the charging station. Incidentally, a full charge can be completed in just 72 minutes.

The large electric double-decker bus is nearly 13 metres long and four metres high. It runs on an independent suspension system in the first driving axle for a more comfortable ride, and a 240kW wheel motor axle combined with a motor in the second axle that minimizes loss of electricity. A rear-wheel steering system works in conjunction with the steering system of the first axle, optimizing handling.

Safety features include stability control, forward collision avoidance assist and lane-keeping assist. There are also various solutions designed to improve accessibility for the disabled, like a low floor, an automatic sliding ramp and two fixed-in-space wheelchairs.

Hyundai’s electric double-decker bus will eventually be implemented across South Korea to help the country reduce traffic emissions and congestion in cities.

Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare by emailShare on redditShare on Pinterest
Share

ℹ️ By continuing to use this site, you are agreeing to the use of cookies as described in our Privacy Policy. ×