Let’s face the facts and just prosper on the fact that the future of mobility is already here and thriving on a magnificent scale. Hyundai has done so with open arms and guess what? They just launched an electric double-decker bus of their very own.
The first-of-its-kind from Hyundai is part of the company’s effort in the goal of reducing traffic congestion and more importantly, air pollution. Making its public debut at the Land, Infrastructure and Transport Technology Fair in South Korea, it is a huge deal for Hyundai as the was co-hosted with the national Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.
To develop the company’s first electric double-decker bus, Hyundai worked for 18 months on a project supported by the Korean Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport, which began in 2017. It seats 70 people on both floors which is roughly 50% larger than normal buses.
There’s also 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.
In terms of power, the Hyundai e-Bus comes with a 384-kWh water-cooled high-efficiency polymer battery which allows a 300km driving distance for every charge. What’s even more amazing is that it’ll only take 72 minutes to fully charge the battery to full capacity.
240kW wheel motor axle combined with a motor in the second axle that minimizes loss of electricity. A rear-wheel steering system works in coherence with the steering system of the first axle, optimizing steering performance.
Various advanced safety features are also equipped on the bus to ensure the safety of the passengers:
- Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) helps identify the driver’s intended driving direction and maintain the vehicle in control.
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) uses the car’s front-facing camera to help detect an imminent collision and avoid impact or minimize damage by braking autonomously.
- Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) helps prevent accidental lane departure by sensing road markings.
According to ByoungWoo Hwang, Head of Commercial Vehicle Advanced Engineering team of Hyundai, “The double-decker electric bus is an environmentally friendly vehicle optimized for global eco-friendly trends. This will not only ultimately improve the air quality, but also contribute greatly to easing commuting hour traffic congestion by accommodating more passengers.”
