Hyundai Motor to send 1,700 hydrogen-guzzling vehicles to Jeju

Hyundai Motor's Xcient Fuel Cell truck [HYUNDAI MOTOR]

Hyundai Motor plans to help to make Jeju a cleaner island.

The automaker said Thursday it will supply Jeju Island with a total of 1,700 hydrogen-powered vehicles by the end of 2030: 200 trucks, 300 buses and 1,200 vehicles.

It will also build more hydrogen refueling stations in Jeju for the owners of its Nexo SUVs.

The plan comes as a part of efforts to help the Jeju government reach its goal of going carbon neutral by 2030.

Earlier in the year, the Jeju government announced a 62-billion-won ($43 million) investment to build green hydrogen production facilities in eastern Jeju City. It hopes to produce 1,176 tons of green hydrogen by March 2026.

Green hydrogen uses renewable energy such as solar and wind for its production. It is considered the ultimate eco-friendly energy option while the world moves toward carbon neutrality.

"We will actively help Jeju build its green hydrogen ecosystem," Hyundai Motor said.

BY SARAH CHEA [chea.sarah@joongang.co.kr]