India has taken a decisive step towards decarbonising its transport sector with the launch of on-road trials for hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs).
In a strategic collaboration, a leading automobile manufacturer and India’s foremost public-sector energy enterprise have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to assess the commercial viability of hydrogen-powered mobility in Indian conditions. The move is aimed at advancing sustainable transport solutions and testing the adaptability of hydrogen fuel cell technology across the country’s diverse geography. Under this partnership, a hydrogen-powered vehicle has been handed over for a long-term pilot that will span two years and cover over 40,000 kilometres of road testing. The trials will evaluate the operational durability and efficiency of fuel cell vehicles under real-world Indian conditions. Alongside performance metrics, the study will analyse the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), including long-term maintenance and operational costs, to understand economic feasibility for large-scale adoption.
Officials involved in the programme noted that this initiative is part of a broader national effort to scale up the hydrogen economy and meet net-zero carbon goals. By harnessing green hydrogen—produced through electrolysis using renewable energy—the trials are expected to demonstrate not only the environmental benefits but also the practical deployment of hydrogen mobility infrastructure. An executive from the automobile manufacturer expressed that the collaboration reflects a commitment to future-ready technology and decarbonised transport. “This is more than a vehicle test. It is a vision test for India’s mobility future,” the official said. The goal is to make hydrogen both accessible and viable as a mainstream fuel alternative and position India as a leader in green innovation.
From the energy sector side, a senior research and development official confirmed that the trials represent a step towards fulfilling India’s ambition to reduce fossil fuel imports and transition to cleaner fuels. Hydrogen is increasingly seen as a critical lever for industrial decarbonisation and transportation, especially in sectors like long-haul logistics, heavy-duty commercial fleets, and even mass transit systems. What makes this trial particularly significant is its dual focus—not only on vehicle performance but also on creating a supporting ecosystem for hydrogen fuel use. Refuelling infrastructure, safety protocols, and economic modelling are all being built into the evaluation framework. This systems approach is seen as essential for building investor confidence and consumer trust in a nascent but promising segment of the green economy.
In a parallel move to reinforce hydrogen research and innovation, the automobile manufacturer is also supporting the creation of a Hydrogen Innovation Centre in collaboration with a premier Indian engineering institute. The facility aims to serve as a hub for start-ups, technology testing, and academic research focused on clean hydrogen. Industry experts believe this integration of academia, industry, and public policy will accelerate the commercial readiness of hydrogen technologies in India. The National Hydrogen Mission, launched by the Government of India, aims to produce five million tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030. Initiatives such as this partnership between automotive and energy sector leaders serve as important catalysts in translating policy intent into on-ground action. Given the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions from the transport sector—one of the largest contributors to air pollution and fossil fuel use—hydrogen mobility offers an alternative path that complements electric vehicles and biofuels.
While electric vehicles have made rapid inroads into personal and last-mile transport, fuel cell technology is gaining attention for segments that require higher energy density and faster refuelling. Hydrogen FCEVs can offer long-range capabilities with minimal emissions, emitting only water vapour as a by-product. Experts argue that the next few years will be crucial in determining the cost-effectiveness and infrastructural requirements of this alternative propulsion system. For now, the partnership symbolises India’s growing ambition to lead the hydrogen revolution. By aligning industrial expertise, research collaboration, and public sector support, the project could pave the way for future investments in hydrogen production, distribution, and mobility solutions. If successful, it could reshape the country’s transport landscape and offer a scalable model for other developing economies exploring green fuel pathways.
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