Hyundai Motor Group is expanding its clean-mobility strategy in the Middle East through a new partnership with Oman. The company announced on September 4, 2026, that it will help introduce the country’s first hydrogen-powered city bus while also supporting the installation of a 240kW ultra-fast electric vehicle charger near Muscat.
The agreements were signed during the Gulf Green Mobility Forum. They connect Hyundai with Oman’s government, national public transport operator and energy sector as the country works toward the sustainability goals included in Oman Vision 2040.
However, this is more than a vehicle supply agreement. Hyundai and its partners plan to test hydrogen transportation, high-speed EV charging and smart-city technology under real operating conditions.
Oman’s First Hydrogen City Bus
The centerpiece of the project is the Hyundai ELEC CITY Fuel Cell bus. Mwasalat, Oman’s national public transport operator, will deploy the vehicle on regular passenger routes in Muscat.
The bus has space for 24 seated passengers. According to the official Hyundai announcement, the pilot program will operate from the third quarter of 2026 through the third quarter of 2027.
Importantly, the bus will not remain inside a closed testing facility. It will carry passengers as part of a public transportation service. Therefore, Hyundai and Mwasalat will be able to study its reliability, efficiency and environmental performance in everyday traffic.
Hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles produce electricity onboard through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. Their only direct tailpipe emission is water vapor. Moreover, hydrogen buses can be refueled more quickly than many battery-electric buses can be recharged.
That combination could make the technology useful for transit operators that need vehicles to remain in service for long periods. Nevertheless, its long-term success will depend on hydrogen availability, production costs and the development of refueling infrastructure.
A 240kW Fast Charger Near Muscat
The partnership also includes a new 240kW DC ultra-fast charger at an Oman Oil service station in Halban, near Muscat.
Oman Oil Marketing Company and its charging brand EVO will work with Hyundai Motor Group and Hyundai Kefico to install and operate the equipment. Testing is scheduled for the third and fourth quarters of 2026.
One important part of the program will involve evaluating the charger during Oman’s high summer temperatures. Extreme heat can affect charging performance, cooling systems and power electronics. Consequently, the Halban installation could provide Hyundai with useful information for future charging projects in other hot-climate markets.
A 240kW charger can add a significant amount of range during a relatively short stop, although the actual charging speed will depend on the vehicle, battery temperature and current state of charge.
Hyundai Also Targets Smart-City Development
Hyundai signed a separate memorandum of understanding with Oman’s Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology.
The initial agreement lasts one year and can renew automatically. It creates a framework for collaboration on electric vehicles, hydrogen mobility and smart-city development, including projects connected with Sultan Haitham City.
Rather than committing immediately to a nationwide rollout, the partners will evaluate the pilot programs using performance indicators. They will study reliability, public demand, operating costs and commercial viability before deciding whether to expand the services.
Why the Oman Project Matters
Most countries will not rely on a single technology to reduce transportation emissions. Battery-electric cars may work well for personal mobility, while hydrogen could serve buses and other fleet vehicles with predictable routes and centralized refueling.
Hyundai’s plan brings both technologies into the same project. Oman will receive a high-speed EV charger for passenger vehicles and a hydrogen bus for public transportation.
If the pilots meet their targets, they could lead to additional vehicle orders, charging locations and clean public transport routes. More importantly, they will show how electric and hydrogen mobility perform in one of the world’s most demanding climates.
