The iF Design Award, considered one of the world’s three major design prizes, selected this year’s winners after expert judging of more than 10,000 projects submitted from 68 countries, the company said.
The hydrogen electric locomotive and hydrogen electric multiple unit are hydrogen mobility models Hyundai Rotem is developing. The company said they are strategic products aimed at expanding hydrogen mobility in rail, following its hydrogen electric tram scheduled to begin operations in cities including Daejeon and Ulsan.
Hyundai Rotem said the two award-winning models are the first to adopt an “H”-shaped side graphic that it expects to become a signature design element for its hydrogen mobility lineup. The company said the grid pattern spreading outward from the H motif, which it said represents both Hyundai Rotem and hydrogen, reflects its vision for broader adoption of hydrogen mobility.
The company said the designs are based on three core principles: purity, simplicity and symbolism, and are intended to set a new benchmark for sustainable mobility in rail. It said the roofline and front-end form combine a soft curve flowing from the windshield with sharper, more dynamic lines lower down to express both the sustainability and strength of hydrogen energy. The linear headlight arrangement was inspired by light trails seen when moving at high speed through tunnels, it said.
Hyundai Rotem said the hydrogen electric multiple unit uses a low-floor structure to improve accessibility for passengers with mobility challenges and features a smooth front-end shape meant to convey the sustainable value of hydrogen energy.
In 2023, Hyundai Rotem’s hydrogen electric tram won an iF Design Award, which the company said made it the first in South Korea’s rail industry to receive a global design prize. The company said the latest awards further demonstrate the competitiveness of its hydrogen mobility products.
“This award recognizes Hyundai Rotem’s efforts and design philosophy toward realizing hydrogen mobility in the rail sector,” a company official said.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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