Hyundai Rotem delivers initial streetcar to Canada, setting foot for the first time in North America
In August 2025, Hyundai Rotem, a subsidiary of the Hyundai Motor Group, made its debut in the North American tram market by delivering the first shipment of light rail vehicles (LRVs) for the Valley Line West project in Edmonton, Canada. This delivery marks the beginning of a sequential delivery of all units, scheduled to be completed by 2027.
The LRVs are designed to withstand Edmonton's harsh winters, where temperatures can plummet to minus 40 degrees Celsius. Key features include advanced temperature control systems that maintain comfortable interior conditions, even in extreme cold. The vehicles also boast red and white LED indicator lights, adding an aesthetic touch and enhancing nighttime visibility.
Hyundai Rotem's entry into the North American tram market is significant, as the company has demonstrated tram technology through manufacturing, testing, and infrastructure projects. The company has also previously delivered driverless trains in Canada. Moreover, Hyundai Rotem has experience in the global tram market, having supplied trams to cities such as Izmir and Antalya in Turkey, as well as Warsaw, Poland.
The Valley Line West project is part of a larger Edmonton LRT expansion. The second phase of the Valley Line, connecting downtown to west Edmonton, began construction in fall 2021 and is scheduled for completion by 2028. The entire Valley Line is planned to be 27 kilometers long, with the first phase (downtown to Mill Woods) having opened in November 2023.
The LRVs are intended for use on the Valley Line West, a new route linking downtown Edmonton to the city's western districts. Before entering service, the vehicles will undergo approximately 2,000 kilometers of trial runs. Hyundai Rotem is committed to ensuring a safe and convenient transportation option for Edmonton residents.
In addition, the company has advanced hydrogen-electric tram technology through domestic demonstration projects. The body materials of the vehicle are resistant to low-temperature impact, ensuring durability in Edmonton's harsh climate.
In conclusion, Hyundai Rotem's delivery of LRVs for the Valley Line West project underscores the company's role in providing specialized vehicles suited to Edmonton’s climate and expanding transit infrastructure. The company's commitment to safety, comfort, and innovation is evident in the features and technology of these LRVs.
References: 1. Hyundai Rotem Delivers First Tram for Edmonton's Valley Line West Project 2. Hyundai Rotem to Deliver Trams for Edmonton's Valley Line West Project 3. Edmonton LRT: Valley Line West Project 4. Edmonton LRT: Valley Line West Construction Update
- Recognizing its expertise, Hyundai Rotem's entry into the North American tram industry will likely expand its presence in the finance sector, as the company seeks partnerships for future projects in the realm of transportation.
- As technology continues to evolve, Hyundai Rotem's hydrogen-electric tram technology could revolutionize the automotive industry, offering eco-friendly solutions for urban transportation networks, such as those in Edmonton.
