Marrakech to receive 15 Hyundai electric buses from South Korea

Tuesday 22 September 2026 - 23:15

Marrakech is set to strengthen its public transport network with the arrival of 15 Hyundai Elec City electric buses from South Korea, as part of a development assistance project designed to support cleaner urban mobility and reduce carbon emissions.

The initiative brings together Hyundai Motor Company, the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the city of Marrakech. In addition to the vehicles, the project includes fast-charging infrastructure and technical support intended to facilitate the transition toward electric public transportation.

The delivery represents a notable milestone in Morocco's cooperation with South Korea in the field of sustainable mobility. According to South Korean media reports, the buses will be the first electric buses manufactured in South Korea to be delivered to Morocco.

Hyundai Marks Completion of First Vehicles

A ceremony marking the completion of the first two buses was held on September 21 at Hyundai's commercial vehicle plant in Jeonju, in Wanju County, South Korea.

The event brought together Hyundai executive Lee Seung-min, Morocco's Ambassador to South Korea Chafik Rachadi, and Do Young-a, director of Regional Programs Division 2 at KOICA.

The remaining vehicles are expected to be completed and shipped to Morocco ahead of an official handover ceremony planned for the first quarter of 2027.

Electric Buses to Serve Marrakech's Tourist Areas

Once deployed, the Hyundai buses are expected to operate on urban routes connecting several of Marrakech's major tourist destinations. Their introduction is intended to combine public transport development with efforts to limit the environmental impact of urban mobility.

Beyond the delivery of the vehicles themselves, the project includes charging facilities and technical assistance, providing the infrastructure required for their operation and maintenance.

Hyundai has presented the initiative as an opportunity to demonstrate how electric buses can contribute to the modernization of public transport while being adapted to local operating conditions.

Park Cheol-yeon, head of Hyundai's global commercial vehicle and light commercial vehicle division, said the project would help highlight the potential benefits of electrifying public transportation and reiterated the company's commitment to developing environmentally friendly mobility solutions suited to local needs.

A Symbolic Project for Marrakech

For Chafik Rachadi, the arrival of the electric buses carries particular significance for Marrakech, a major Moroccan economic and cultural center.

The city has also played a prominent role in international climate diplomacy, notably by hosting the 22nd United Nations Climate Change Conference, known as COP22. Against this backdrop, the introduction of electric buses gives the project an additional environmental and symbolic dimension.

The planned deployment marks another step in the development of cleaner urban mobility in Marrakech, while also highlighting the growing technological and development cooperation between Morocco and South Korea.