Hyundai Rotem Wins 2 iF Design Awards for Hydrogen-Powered Vehicles: Discover the Winning Designs!

Lee Geun-hong | 2026.03.10

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 Hyundai Rotem
 Hyundai Rotem
Hyundai Rotem said on March 10 that its hydrogen-electric power car and hydrogen-electric train each won a main prize at the iF Design Award 2026 in Germany, giving the company two top honors.

Hyundai Rotem said it applied model-specific designs grounded in three core hydrogen-mobility design principles: purity, simplicity and symbolism.

For the two award-winning models, the company introduced for the first time a side graphic in the shape of an H to symbolize both Hyundai Rotem and hydrogen.

The hydrogen-electric power car was styled to convey a strong, muscular presence that matches its powerful drivetrain. Designers took inspiration from the streaks of light produced when moving at high speed through a tunnel and arranged the headlights in a linear pattern to emphasize dynamism.

The hydrogen-electric train features a low-floor layout that improves boarding and alighting for passengers with limited mobility, and a smooth front end intended to express the sustainable value of hydrogen energy.

Earlier, Hyundai Rotem became the first company in South Korea’s rail industry to win a global design award when its hydrogen-electric tram took a main prize at the iF Design Award in 2023.