Hyundai Motor today unveiled an electric double-decker bus, which is a first of its kind for the Korean automaker, and is part of the company’s effort to help reduce traffic congestion and air pollution. The all-new electric double-decker bus is being showcased shown at the ‘Land, Infrastructure and Transport Technology Fair’ held in Korea, co-hosted by Hyundai and the Korean Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (May 29 to 31).

Hyundai says it worked for 18 months on the double-decker bus project, which began in 2017. The bus allows up to 70 passengers – 11 seats on the first floor and 59 seats on the second floor – 1.5 times as many passengers as compared to that of a regular bus. Through the implementation of two fixed-in-space wheelchairs, an automatic sliding ramp and low floor design, the double-decker bus secures added accessibility for disabled and mobility impaired passengers.

300km on a single charge
Hyundai has equipped the all-new bus with a 384 kWh water-cooled high-efficiency polymer battery, with a maximum 300km driving range on a single charge. A full charge can be completed in 72 minutes.

The large electric double-decker bus, which is 12,990mm long and 3,995mm tall, 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 minimises loss of electricity. A rear-wheel steering system works in coherence with the steering system of the first axle, optimizing steering performance.

"The double-decker electric bus is an environmentally friendly vehicle optimised for global eco-friendly trends," said ByoungWoo Hwang, Head of Commercial Vehicle Advanced Engineering team at Hyundai Motor. "This will not only ultimately improve the air quality, but also contribute greatly to easing commuting hour traffic congestion by accommodating more passengers."

On the safety front, the electric bus has Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) which helps identify the driver's intended driving direction and maintain the vehicle in control. There is also Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) that uses the car’s front-facing camera to help detect an imminent collision and avoid impact or minimize damage by braking autonomously, and Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) which helps prevent accidental lane departure by sensing road markings.