HMG and Kia Donate Hydrogen Fuel Cell Support Bus to Korean National Fire Agency

The Hyundai Motor Group (HMG) and Kia Corp have been discussing the introduction of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles into the Kia lineup as early as 2017. What quickly followed was an agreement between Kia and Next Hydrogen and a new business strategy called “Hydrogen Vision 2040” in 2021. Last year, HMG and Kia signed also signed a new memorandum to produce Green Hydrogen from food waste to get more resources for their hydrogen fuel cells and in a way that also benefits the ecosystem. It took some time, but fuel cell vehicles are starting to gain more popularity, and HMG celebrates by donating a Hydrogen Fuel Cell Support Bus for Firefighters’ Recovery to the Korean National Fire Agency.

HMG donated their Hydrogen Fuel Cell Support Bus to provide firefighters with mobile location when recovering from the extreme conditions they face when tackling a fire emergency, Whether it be a lack of oxygen, an injury, cooling down, or just getting some rest, having a form of mobility that doesn’t require one’s attention after a stressful incident can be exactly what someone needs – especially firefighters. When they go out there to handle a fire, their life is on the line, and many of them love what they do. Their heart is in the job, and that’s why they also need to take care of their own hearts once the fire is out.

The Hydrogen Fuel Cell Support Bus donated is based on the Hyundai Universe fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) and was further customized with input from Korean firefighters on what can make it better for them on the road. This included input from the Fire Department on Korea’s Jeju Island where HMG donated the support bus. All of that input led to some pretty interesting designs and features to enhance a firefighters’ recovery environment. These include U-shaped meeting space with sofas for social interaction, Premium reclining seats for comfortable relaxation and rest, a Compact cooking area because firefighters got to eat too, an External air tent to get a little extra oxygen, a High-pressure air gun and a High-pressure water gun to remove contaminants and clean down firefighter apparatus after being exposed to a fire incident, and a Storage area for fire-resistant clothing to prevent potential secondary contamination.

Sounds like a nice little mobile hub for rest and relaxation, after care, and getting a bite to eat before going out there again. Comforts like air-conditioning, heating and other functions are powered by hydrogen and oxygen so the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Support Bus can offer even the little things without generating carbon dioxide emissions – in fact, it emits water instead. Its human-centric approach to mobility and mobility services is a great testament to Hyundai’s existing hydrogen value chain, ranging from production to storage, transportation, and utilization. Following the donation, a little short film was put together to highlight the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Support Bus and the Fire Department on Korea’s Jeju Island called “Got Your Back”.

It’s a neat little video, and gives more examples of what the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Support Bus. We’re always interested in what else HMG and Kia are working on. Do you copy? Roger that by following us on Miami Lakes Automall social media.

Photo Source/Copyright: Kia Media