Trial Operation of Hyundai Fuel Cell Bus At 2006 World Cup

Hyundai Motor Co., an official sponsor of FIFA World Cup, held a trial operation of fuel cell buses that have been developed by the company and were used for during the World Cup in Germany (June 9th ~ July 9th).
These buses were used to transport press groups.
The basic body of Hyundai´s fuel cell buses use a low-step axle based on the non-step CNG bus that is currently being mass-produced. Also, sliding ramp and kneeling systems were specifically installed for wheelchairs, facilitating passengers´ boarding.
Fuel cell, the main source that powers the bus, generates a maximum of 160kW with 500~600 volts along with the super capacitor, an auxiliary power source that can develop up to 80kW. The driving power of the vehicle is generated by a 240kW electronic motor, which is linked to the rear axle by a propeller shaft. Cooling of the fuel cell and electric system is carried out by large radiators installed on the vehicle´s ceiling as well as electric fans and electric water pumps.
In addition, compressed air needed for braking and suspension and oil pressure used for steering are generated from the "electric accessory running gear" and are delivered to the necessary parts of the vehicle. Compressed hydrogen (350 bars) is used as fuel for the bus and is stored in the eight tanks (with 1640-liter total capacity) built on the roof of the bus.
The bus has 27 seats and a separate space for wheelchairs, and is also equipped with 4 LCD monitors, a DVD player and a DMB device. Also, after the first vehicles were assembled, further tuning and evaluation were carried out to improve functions while greatly decreasing the noise-level.
As the fuel cell bus carries a large number of passengers, making the design safe is of paramount importance. This is precisely why Hyundai Motor Company had the world renowned German agency, TUEV, which confirmed the safety of the fuel cell bus in trial operations via a thorough investigation. It is meaningful for Hyundai to have its fuel cell vehicles operating in Germany where the operation standards are hard to meet.