Hyundai Motor unveiled an upgraded version of fuel cell electric bus powered by hydrogen for the Korean police on Thursday, in line with the law enforcement agency’s plan to turn its entire bus fleet green.

The carmaker had previously introduced city bus-type hydrogen vehicles for the law enforcement agency, but it is the first model with large cargo space for police equipment and is suitable for long-haul travel. The latest model has two 95 kilowatt fuel cell stacks with hydrogen tanks placed on the roof to secure room both for passengers and cargo. 

While unveiling the hydrogen bus for police, Hyundai signed a memorandum of understanding with related government offices including the Korean National Police Agency, Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Energy. A test-run of the vehicles will be conducted by 2020 after which production will commence. The hydrogen-powered police buses are expected to hit the roads in 2021.

By 2028, the government plans to purchase a total of 802 hydrogen buses for the police force.

The plan came after Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon suggested to change the police buses deployed for public security last year.

The MOU signing ceremony was attended by Lee along with Korean National Police Agency Commissioner General Min Gab-ryong, Vice Industry Minister Chung Seung-il and Hyundai Motor President Kong Young-woon.

By Cho Chung-un (christory@heraldcorp.com)