Hyundai Rotem announced on Monday that it signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Hyundai Motor’s Mabuchi Research Institute to cooperate with Hyundai Motor in the development of hydrogen electric trains.
Through this Memorandum of Understanding, HMC will supply hydrogen fuel cells for technology development and support related technologies, and Hyundai Rotem will develop and verify system interfaces between hydrogen fuel cells and vehicles, along with the production of hydrogen electric trains. Hyundai Motor and Hyundai Rotem decided to establish a separate technical cooperation organization based on this MOU and establish a close cooperation system.
Hydrogen electric trains are eco-friendly vehicles that do not emit pollutants other than water. They do not require electric power supply facilities such as electric cables and substations, which can save electricity infrastructure construction and maintenance costs.
Hyundai Rotem has been developing this train since January this year. It is designed as a low-profile tram-type platform and aims to travel at a maximum speed of 70km / h and a maximum travel distance of 200km / h. The tentative train will be completed by 2020.
Hyundai Rotem plans to show prototype of hydrogen electric trains before Busan International Railway Technology Industry to be held in BEXCO, Busan from 12th to 15th. In addition, Hyundai Rotem plans to further develop hydrogen electric trams, hydrogen electric trains and hydrogen electric locomotives based on Hyundai’s technical support.
The scale of hydrogen electric trains around the world is about 600 billion dollars, and it is expected to gradually expand with the growth of the hydrogen electric trains market. In Korea, it is necessary to substitute diesel rail vehicles for carbon emissions.
Hyundai Rotem official said, “We will be the first to develop hydrogen electric trains in Korea by collaborating with Hyundai Motor, which has unique technology for hydrogen fuel cells, and we will preempt the related market.” Based on accumulated know-how and research and development achievements, I will do my best. ”
On the other hand, Hyundai Rotem is strengthening research and development for securing future railway technology through R & D of car system such as hydrogen electric tram and development of smart train technology based on 4th industrial technology.
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