Oman’s Mwasalat To Get New Hyundai Hydrogen-Powered & Smart Buses

Hyundai Motor Group signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Oman’s Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT) at the Gulf Green Mobility Forum, launching cooperation in smart city development and eco-friendly mobility.

Through this agreement, the Hyundai Motor Group (“the Group”) positions itself as a key partner in Oman’s national smart city strategy under Vision 2040. The partnership runs for an initial one-year term, subject to automatic renewal.

The same visit also saw separate agreements signed with Oman’s public transport and energy sectors, including a pilot program for Oman’s first hydrogen city bus and the deployment of an ultra-fast EV charger in Muscat.

“We are delighted to establish strategic partnerships with MTCIT today. HMG is committed to helping turn Oman’s Vision 2040 ambitions into tangible outcomes through collaboration in smart cities and future mobility,” said Hokeun Chung, Executive Vice President, Head of Future Strategy Division, Hyundai Motor Group

What Does the MTCIT Partnership Cover?

The Omani government is advancing state-led smart city development under Vision 2040, with flagship projects including Sultan Haitham City. The MOU with the Group establishes a framework for cooperation spanning smart city development and eco-friendly mobility, including electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Through this partnership, the Group positions itself as a partner in Oman’s sustainable urban transition and carbon neutrality efforts.

How Will Oman’s First Hydrogen City Bus Operate?

Oman’s national transport operator Mwasalat has signed a Pilot Agreement (PA) with the Group to deploy Oman’s first hydrogen city bus, the ELEC CITY Fuel Cell, on public transit routes in Muscat. Rather than a short-term technology demonstration, the initiative is designed as an actual passenger transportation service.

The 24-seat hydrogen fuel cell bus will run as part of a pilot service from the third quarter of 2026 through the third quarter of 2027.

Where Will the New Ultra-Fast EV Charger Be Installed?

OOMCO, the energy distribution subsidiary of Oman’s national energy group OQ, and EV charging brand EVO have each signed MOUs with Hyundai Motor Group and Hyundai Kefico, respectively, to build and operate a 240kW DC ultra-fast charger at a service station in Halban, near Muscat.

What Happens After the Pilot Programs?

This cooperation between Hyundai Motor Group and its Omani partners is not intended as a one-off pilot project. Throughout the hydrogen bus pilot, Mwasalat will evaluate the vehicle’s reliability under real-world driving conditions, its operational efficiency across daily transit routes, and its environmental performance compared to conventional diesel buses.

For the EV charging infrastructure, the partners will assess charging performance, user demand, and commercial feasibility to lay the groundwork for future expansion.

Based on these results, measured against pre-agreed key performance indicators (KPIs), the participating organizations will explore expanding services and formalizing procurement across Oman.