Hyundai Electric Buses in Japan Strengthens Yakushima’s Green Future
Hyundai has launched five Elec City Town electric buses on Yakushima Island to support its zero-emission goals. The new Hyundai electric buses in Japan have a low-floor design, ensuring easy accessibility for both residents and visitors.
Hyundai Motor Company has officially delivered its Hyundai Elec City Town electric buses to Yakushima Island, marking a significant leap in advancing Hyundai electric mobility solutions in Japan.
This rollout supports Yakushima’s goal to become a zero-emission island and aligns with Kagoshima Prefecture’s broader carbon neutrality plan.
The move comes after a 2024 partnership between Hyundai and regional transit provider Tanegashima Yakushima Kotsu, operated by the Iwasaki Group.
Starting June 2025, five Hyundai electric buses will begin operation, tailored to the island’s steep, winding roads and unique climate.
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The Hyundai Elec City Town Electric Buses
The Hyundai Elec City Town buses feature a 145 kWh battery and a 160 kW motor, delivering strong performance on Yakushima’s rugged terrain. Built with a low-floor design, they ensure easy accessibility for both residents and visitors.
Advanced features like Vehicle Dynamics Control improve stability on sharp curves, while an optimized battery cooling system maintains efficiency even in humid weather. These enhancements make the buses ideal for Yakushima’s eco-tourism routes and daily use.
Hyundai’s initiative goes beyond clean transport. The new buses come equipped with Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) technology, allowing them to supply backup electricity to shelters and clinics during natural disasters.
This capability is a practical response to the typhoons and heavy rains the island often faces, reinforcing Hyundai’s commitment to building electric buses that serve communities in more ways than one.
Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Yakushima’s preservation efforts are essential. The introduction of the Hyundai electric buses in Yakushima reflects a shared commitment to balancing tourism with environmental responsibility.
Hyundai’s contribution ties into its global vision of “Progress for Humanity”—supporting carbon-neutral transportation while meeting real-world needs in sensitive ecological areas.
“Being part of Yakushima’s zero-emission island initiative is a significant step toward carbon neutrality,”
Jaehoon Chang, Vice Chair of Hyundai Motor Group.
本日、鹿児島県屋久島で使用する電気バスELEC CITY TOWN の納車式を実施致しました。運行事業者様は種子島･屋久島交通様です。 pic.twitter.com/VBgIvJCmXW
— Hyundai Japan(商用車) (@Hyundai_Jpn3166) April 21, 2025
