The new Universe hydrogen-electric bus includes an integrated dual motor and transmission system and provides a maximum power output of 350kW.
The fuel cell system delivers up to 180 kW, and when paired with a 48.2 kWh lithium-ion battery, extends the vehicle’s range beyond the previous model’s 450–500 km per charge.
The bus is equipped with an automatic system that cuts off the hydrogen supply and high-voltage battery in the event of a collision, along with a fire delay system that slows the spread of flames from the battery enclosure by at least five minutes.
The 2026 Universe hydrogen-electric bus is expected to achieve an industry-leading 960 km range per fill – making it one of the longest-range fuel cell buses currently on the market.
Solaris’ Urbino 18 offers around 600km of range per refill, while the Wrightbus GB Kite Hydroliner demonstrator has reached up to 1,030km.
Hyundai’s new model has been selected for trial service and hydrogen refuelling tests in Trojena, the mountainous region of Neom.
The trial will test Hyundai’s Universe bus at altitudes of 2,080 m and gradients of up to 24%, simulating real-world passenger transport scenarios such as shuttle services, while also helping to stimulate local demand.
Hydrogen-powered buses to dominate near-term European refuelling demand: Resato
Hydrogen-powered buses will dominate near-term demand for hydrogen refuelling, according to the CEO of Resato Hydrogen Technology.
Rob Castien, boss of Resato’s hydrogen refuelling spin-off, told H2 View, the public mobility segment had a solid business case behind it, despite concerns about hydrogen’s potential in the wider mobility market.
“2025 to 2026 will be the years when bus projects are the most interesting for us to go to,” the CEO explained. “This is because it’s actual business with real vehicles and real stations.
“If you look at hydrogen-powered vehicle availability, buses are available today,” he added. “Beyond, let’s say 2026, the trucks will become more dominant.”
Despite long-haul, heavy-duty trucking often highlighted as a prime use case for hydrogen, Castien believes the real captive market today lies in bus operations and through agreements with fleet operators.
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