Here’s a zero emissions alternative for diesel-powered buses from Hyundai: the County Electric. Now plying the roads of Hyundai’s home market of Korea, the County Electric is an economical and eco-friendly minibus. It could very well be the future of public transportation.

The 7,710-mm long County Electric is equipped with a high-efficiency and high-power 128-kWh lithium-ion-polymer battery that provides a range of 250 kilometers on a full charge. Hyundai Motor will offer the bus in configurations with 15 to 33 seats.

The 128-kWh battery can be fully charged in 72 minutes using a standard Combo 1 DC system (based on 150kW charging), which helps ensure reliability. The bus can be charged using a household 220-volt outlet, which takes 17 hours.

Not only is County Electric economical and eco-friendly, it’s also powerful. Within the 50 to 80 km/h range, County Electric provides 30-percent faster acceleration compared to diesel models. In addition, the bus is equipped with an electronically controlled, air-over-hydraulic (AOH) brake system with more robust brake discs to handle increased vehicle weight due to the battery.

Swapping the diesel engine for electric motor provides more space, making it easier for passengers to get in and out of the bus according to Hyundai. Furthermore, they’ve equipped it with safety technologies that prevent accidents.

Aside from the usual stability control with hill start assist, sensors located near the middle door, including an ultrasonic sensor, prevent the door from closing while the passenger is getting on and off. The sensors also trigger an alarm when a body part gets caught in the door and automatically opens the door to prevent injury. The ultrasonic sensor is also connected to the bus’s acceleration pedal, which prevents the bus from moving forward from a stop when passenger movement is detected. County Electric also comes with a virtual engine sound system and rear parking assist system to warn pedestrians and prevent accidents.