Hyundai Motor Group's hydrogen electric bus for firefighters' recovery Hyundai Motor Group's hydrogen electric bus for firefighters' recovery

2024.07.17 Hyundai Motor Group 분량9min

Hyundai Hydrogen Fuel Cell Support Bus: A New Haven for Our Heroes

Hyundai Motor Group has made a special bus for firefighters who protect our daily lives. The Hydrogen Fuel Cell Support Bus offers a precious rest space for heroes who battle disasters. The following details how this bus will make a difference in the future.

Hyundai Motor Group is supporting firefighters, who are at the forefront of fire and disaster scenes, with a special rest space. This specially designed Hydrogen Fuel Cell Support Bus allows firefighters to rest comfortably in a clean and serene environment, away from the extreme heat, harmful dust, and gases they face during their battles.

 

In March of last year, Hyundai Motor Group committed to donating eight Support Buses to the National Fire Agency, specifically designed to aid in the rest and recovery of firefighters at disaster sites. By June of this year, these Support Buses were delivered to the fire departments in Gyeongbuk, Gangwon, Incheon, Jeonbuk, Chungnam, and Ulsan in Korea. The final eighth bus, based on the Universe hydrogen fuel cell electric bus, was assigned to the Jeju Fire Department, considering that Korea's first Green Hydrogen Production Complex was established in Jeju Island.

The title screen of the video that introduction of firefighters' recovery support hydrogen electric bus


The value of Hyundai Motor Group's innovative technology and its commitment to human-centric progress is showcased in their big campaign video. The video “Got Your Back" details the development and deployment of the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Support Bus, highlighting its role and significance. Adding authenticity, the narration is provided by veteran Korean-American firefighter Peter Lee from the Englewood Fire Department in New Jersey.


Got Your Back: Senior firefighters emphasize the importance of safe return and rest

The scene of the video introducing the hydrogen electric bus that supports firefighters' recovery

The video begins with scenes of firefighters responding to a call. The busy yet coordinated movements of the firefighters are shown, accompanied by the calm voice of a commander instructing their safe return. The veteran firefighter emphasizes that junior firefighters should not only prioritize the safety of the public but also value their own lives. He conveys a sincere message that, in addition to their duties of firefighting and rescue, taking sufficient rest at the scene is also a crucial responsibility. Viewers are reminded that firefighters, too, are people just like us. The video showcases scenes of firefighters risking their lives in actual situations filled with flames. 

The scene of the video introducing the hydrogen electric bus that supports firefighters' recovery

With his calm yet powerful message, the video shows exhausted firefighters heading to the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Support Bus after completing their grueling duties at the fire scene. They use the cleaning tools and various amenities equipped in the support bus to clean themselves and enjoy a much-needed rest. They are also shown resting and rejuvenating inside the external air tent, powered by the vehicle’s separate power supply.

Firefighter Recovery Support Hydrogen Electric Buses and Firefighters

The Hydrogen Fuel Cell Support Bus, specially designed for firefighters, was developed with a focus on providing rest and recovery at fire and disaster scenes. Additionally, the development process included over ten consultations between Hyundai Motor Group and the National Fire Agency, to actually listen to the firefighters’ feedback. 

 

The newly released ‘Got Your Back -Hydrogen Fuel Cell Support Bus for Firefighters’ Recovery in the Line of Duty’ campaign video not only showcases the hidden aspects of rescue operations and the hard work of firefighters in a realistic documentary format but also includes the participation of active firefighters in its production, adding authenticity. The video captures the daily lives of firefighters during real training and fire scenes, maximizing the sense of realism.

Jeju Firefighters' Mobile Haven: Features of the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Support Bus

Table describing the characteristics of hydrogen electric buses that support firefighters' recovery

The specific features of the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Support Bus, designed as a sanctuary for firefighters in the field, are as follows: Prior to Jeju, seven Support Buses were deployed across six inland regions, based on Hyundai’s Universe Mobile Office model, which serves as a premium mobile business and lifestyle space. The Hydrogen Fuel Cell Support Bus deployed in Jeju was developed based on the newly launched 2023 Hyundai Universe Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV). While the powertrain differs, the convenience features for firefighters are generally the same.

 

Externally, the bus is equipped with an electric earning tent, creating a separate relaxation space, as depicted in the ‘Got Your Back’ video. Firefighters can use the external air tent, which is powered by the bus, to rest comfortably away from prying eyes. The lower storage area includes high-pressure air guns and water guns to remove dust and clean firefighting gear, as well as the fire-resistant clothing storage area.


A view of the interior of the hydrogen electric bus supporting firefighters' recovery

The interior of the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Support Bus is divided into personal rest spaces, cooking areas, and rest/meeting areas. The personal rest space features premium reclining seats, each equipped with 220V power outlets and USB ports for charging personal devices. The cooking area includes a refrigerator, water dispenser, and microwave for storing and preparing food to replenish moisture and calories. Every detail has been meticulously considered to ensure firefighters can take sufficient rest in a private space, even if only for a limited time.

 

The main difference between the Support Buses used inland and the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Support Bus used in Jeju lies in the rest and meeting area at the rear. Reflecting the needs of the Jeju Fire Department, which often engages in rescue operations rather than large-scale fire suppression, the space can be used for rest or as a field situation room. In contrast, the inland Support Buses have a recovery area where firefighters can lie down and rest.

Jeju: Ideal Location for Hyundai Motor Group’s Hydrogen Value Chain Ecosystem

The hydrogen fuel cell system of the hydrogen electric bus running in the recovery support of firefighters


The benefits of the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Support Bus for firefighters extend beyond its features for recovery and rest. As highlighted in the ‘Got Your Back’ video, the bus is powered by electricity generated through the chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, emitting water instead of exhaust gases. Moreover, without the noise and vibration inherent to internal combustion engines, it provides a much more comfortable, noise-free, and vibration-free space for resting firefighters.

Explaining Hyundai Motor Group's Hydrogen Value Chain

Jeju Island is ideal for the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Support Bus because Hyundai Motor Group and the Jeju province both aim to accelerate the realization of a hydrogen society, with Jeju aiming for carbon neutrality by 2035 through the Carbon Free Island (CFI) initiative. Hyundai Motor Group is leveraging the virtually unlimited supply of clean hydrogen energy to create a sustainable future for humanity and the planet.

 

Earlier this year, Hyundai Motor Group unveiled the HTWO Grid at the 2024 CES - a phased, tailored solution for building a hydrogen energy ecosystem spanning production, storage, transportation, and utilization. The Group plans to expedite the creation of a hydrogen society by connecting all value chains of the hydrogen ecosystem with HTWO Grid, going beyond hydrogen mobility. Additionally, the automaker actively participates in various hydrogen-related demonstration projects worldwide, providing customized HTWO Grid solutions for each project.

A view of the Green Hydrogen Production Complex on Jeju Island and the hydrogen-filled hydrogen electric bus supporting firefighters' recovery

Jeju Island, rich in clean energy sources like solar and wind power, aligns well with this vision. Wind turbines are commonly seen along its coastlines. For instance, the 3.3MW Green Hydrogen Production Plant established in Hangwon-ri, Gujwa-eup in 2020 produces hydrogen by electrolyzing water using wind power. This hydrogen is transported to Korea’s first green hydrogen refueling station in Hamdeok-ri, Jocheon-eup, to fuel the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Support Bus. The strategic fit between Hyundai Motor Group’s commitment to realizing the future of the hydrogen value chain and Jeju’s vision of becoming a global green hydrogen hub is evident.

A view of the hydrogen electric bus delivery ceremony site for firefighters' recovery support

On June 27, Hyundai Motor Group delivered the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Support Bus to the Jeju Fire Department at the CFI Energy Future Hall located in the Hydrogen Electrolysis Demonstration Complex in Gujwa-eup, Jeju City. At the handover ceremony, Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Euisun Chung expressed respect for the firefighters who risk their lives to protect the public and explained the rationale behind providing the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Support Bus.

 

“Hyundai Motor Group, considering its role as a mobility company, decided to support disaster site-tailored support vehicles to ensure the safety of firefighters. With the hydrogen fuel cell bus embodying our hydrogen technology, we hope firefighters who protect the lives and nature of clean Jeju can rest with clean air. Hyundai Motor Group will continue to support these heroes to ensure they can perform their duties safely and continuously.”

Firefighter Recovery Support Hydrogen Electric Buses and Firefighters

Hyundai Motor Group plans to provide long-term support to improve firefighters’ welfare. In addition to the initial eight Support Buses, two more will be provided. Furthermore, vehicles and rehabilitation equipment will be supplied to the National Fire Hospital, set to open in Chungbuk Innovation City in 2025, to support firefighters’ health and recovery.

 

Since 2012, the Group has continuously operated a scholarship program for 2,166 children of fallen and injured firefighters. Additionally, the automaker has provided the National Fire Agency with electrified vehicles for training and fire suppression to proactively address incidents involving electrified vehicles and signed an agreement in March for the joint development of firefighting technology for electric vehicle fire.

Hyundai Motor Group's Big Idea Campaign: Advancing Human-Centric Progress

Table Explains the History of Hyundai Motor Group's New Technology Big Campaign

The ‘Got Your Back’ video featuring the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Support Bus operating in Jeju shows the social value that advanced technology can realize when applied to our daily lives and mobility. This video is part of Hyundai Motor Group’s Big Campaign, which demonstrates the Group's direction toward ‘human-centric progress.’ The hydrogen technology embedded in the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Support Bus is one of Hyundai Motor Group’s core future technologies aimed at enriching human life.

 

Since 2016, Hyundai Motor Group has continuously conducted the Big Idea Campaign to promote the value of new technologies that can achieve human-centric progress. The campaign emphasizes not just introducing technology but highlighting how essential and beneficial these technologies are for ordinary neighbors who need them. This has garnered significant social interest and global acclaim. Hyundai Motor Group’s Big Idea Campaign will continue to draw attention, presenting new topics and showcasing its commitment to human-centric progress.

A message from a senior firefighter to a junior firefighter in a video introducing a hydrogen electric bus to support firefighters' recovery