Hyundai Motor Company has delivered its ELEC CITY TOWN electric buses to Tanegashima Yakushima Kotsu, a regional transport and tourism operator under Japan’s Iwasaki Group. The move supports the shift to zero-emission public transport on Yakushima Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A handover ceremony was held in Kagoshima Prefecture, attended by Hyundai Motor Group Vice Chair Jaehoon Chang, Hyundai Mobility Japan CEO Toshiyuki Shimegi, Iwasaki Group CEO Yoshitaro Iwasaki, and Yakushima Mayor Koji Araki. The delivery follows a July 2024 MoU between Hyundai and the Iwasaki Group.
“I am delighted to see Hyundai’s ELEC City electric buses running here on Yakushima, contributing towards a cleaner island environment,” said Hyundai Motor Group Vice Chair Jaehoon Chang. “Being part of Yakushima’s zero-emission island initiative is a significant step towards achieving carbon neutrality on the island by 2050.”
Starting from June 2025, five Hyundai ELEC CITY TOWN buses will operate on Yakushima. These medium-sized, low-floor electric buses will be tailored to local conditions. They are equipped with a 145 kWh battery and a high-efficiency motor delivering a power output of up to 160 kW/217 PS.
The buses are equipped with Vehicle Dynamics Control to ensure safe and stable driving on the island’s mountainous roads, characterized by steep slopes and sharp curves. The buses also feature advanced battery management and cooling systems, optimized for Yakushima’s hot and humid climate, enhancing charging performance, efficiency and driving range.
On Sunday, April 20th, ahead of the handover ceremony, Hyundai Motor signed a partnership agreement for the use of electric vehicles on Yakushima. The agreement includes utilizing the ELEC CITY TOWN’s Vehicle-to-Home capabilities to supply power to evacuation shelters and medical facilities during natural disasters such as typhoons or periods of heavy rainfall.
Yakushima is located at the southwestern end of the Japanese archipelago and is known for its stunning natural scenery, often referred to as the ‘Alps of the Ocean’. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the island is recognized as a leading eco-tourism destination, making emissions control essential for environmental preservation.
Kagoshima Prefecture has designated Yakushima as a key area in its plan to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Yakushima aims to transition its vehicle fleet to primarily EVs as part of its aim to become a zero-emission island.
Hyundai Motor anticipates that the ELEC CITY TOWN buses will contribute to Yakushima’s carbon neutrality goals by providing a mobility solution that supports local sustainability efforts and reflects the needs of the community. This initiative aligns with Hyundai Motor’s global vision of ‘Progress for Humanity’ and its ongoing commitment to building a more sustainable future.
