Hyundai Motor Company delivered last week e-buses in Japan for the first time. A batch of 5 Hyundai Elec City Town electric buses were indeed supplied to Tanegashima Yakushima Kotsu, a regional transportation and tourism service provider operated by the Iwasaki Group in Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan. They’ll be in operation on UNESCO site Yakushima island starting in June 2025.
The debut of Hyundai in the Japanese market was announced in July 2024. According to the information shared at that time, the 9-meter long Hyundai Elec City Town battery-electric bus is able to accomodate up to 54 passengers (18 of those seated) and powered by a ZF central motor.
The medium-sized, low-floor electric buses will be tailored to local conditions, Hyundai states. They are equipped with a 145 kWh battery and a high-efficiency motor delivering a power output of up to 160 kW/217 PS.
Hyundai stresses that “The buses are equipped with Vehicle Dynamics Control to ensure safe and stable driving on the island’s mountainous roads, characterized by steep slopes and sharp curves. The buses also feature advanced battery management and cooling systems, optimized for Yakushima’s hot and humid climate, enhancing charging performance, efficiency and driving range”.