Yakushima: Hyundai Motor Co. has announced a significant step in its electric vehicle expansion by delivering its first batch of electric buses in Japan. The company has supplied five Elec City Town buses to the transportation unit of Japan’s Iwasaki Group, a move that signifies Hyundai’s entry into the Japanese commercial electric bus market.
According to Lao News Agency, the Republic of Korean automaker held a delivery ceremony in Yakushima, Kagoshima Prefecture, in partnership with the Iwasaki Group. The buses were delivered to Tanegashima-Yakushima Kotsu Co., a subsidiary of the Japanese group. During the ceremony, Hyundai’s representatives emphasized the importance of Yakushima’s unique environment as an ideal testing ground for sustainable mobility solutions.
Iwasaki Group’s commitment to sustainable transport was echoed by its representative, who expressed optimism about the role these electric buses will play in setting a new standard for the region’s public transport system. The Elec City Town buses are expected to contribute to achieving a balance between environmental preservation and economic revitalization in the local community.
Hyundai Motor had previously signed a letter of intent with Iwasaki Group in July of the previous year to supply these medium-sized, low-floor electric buses. The Elec City Town buses, featuring a 145 kilowatt-hour battery and a high-efficiency motor, are designed to operate in the environmentally sensitive Yakushima region-a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site renowned for its ancient cedar forests and diverse ecosystems.
The delivery aligns with Kagoshima Prefecture’s goal of reaching carbon neutrality by 2050. The prefecture aims to transform Yakushima into a zero-emission island, transitioning all vehicles to electric or other carbon-free alternatives.
In a related development, Hyundai Motor has signed a comprehensive cooperation agreement with the local government to promote the use of electric vehicles on the island. This agreement includes plans to utilize the Elec City Town’s vehicle-to-home function to supply power to evacuation centers and medical facilities during natural disaster emergencies.
