Hyundai Motor has delivered five of its Elec City Town electric buses to Japanese transport operator Iwasaki Group, marking the South Korean automaker’s first electric bus deployment in Japan. The vehicles will begin service on Yakushima Island in the Kagoshima Prefecture, which has committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
Each bus is equipped with a 145 kWh battery and a high-efficiency motor delivering up to 160 kW (217 PS). According to Hyundai, the electric buses can travel up to 233 kilometers at a constant speed of 60 km/h, and up to 330 kilometers when driven at a steady 30 km/h. The 9-meter low-floor buses are designed to carry 55 passengers, including 18 seated and 36 standing, and are tailored for island conditions with steep terrain and tight curves.
Hyundai emphasized that the vehicles are equipped with features such as a 25% gradeability and Vehicle Dynamics Control to ensure safety and stability on Yakushima’s mountainous roads. A battery management and cooling system is also included to optimize performance in the island’s hot and humid climate.
“I am delighted to see Hyundai’s Elec City electric buses running here on Yakushima, contributing towards a cleaner island environment,” said Jaehoon Chang, Vice Chair of Hyundai Motor Group. “Being part of Yakushima’s zero-emission island initiative is a significant step towards achieving carbon neutrality on the island by 2050.”
The order for the five buses was first announced in July 2023.