16 Hydrogen-Powered Trucks Embark on Nationwide Trials for a Sustainable Future
New Delhi – In a historic leap towards India’s net-zero emissions target by 2070, Tata Motors, the nation’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, has initiated the country’s first-ever hydrogen-powered heavy-duty truck trials. This groundbreaking initiative, flagged off by Shri Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways, and Shri Pralhad Joshi, Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy, signifies a crucial step in transforming India’s freight transport sector. Senior officials, including Mr. Girish Wagh, Executive Director of Tata Motors, and representatives from the Government of India, graced the launch ceremony.
Tata Motors is spearheading this project as part of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy’s National Green Hydrogen Mission. This initiative aims to evaluate the commercial feasibility of hydrogen-powered long-haul cargo transport while laying the foundation for necessary infrastructure to support hydrogen mobility.
Hydrogen Truck Trial Details
The two-year trial period will involve 16 state-of-the-art hydrogen-powered trucks, featuring both Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine (H2-ICE) and Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (H2-FCEV) technologies. These trucks will traverse key freight corridors across Mumbai, Pune, Delhi-NCR, Surat, Vadodara, Jamshedpur, and Kalinganagar, covering diverse terrains and operational conditions.
Speaking at the launch, Shri Nitin Gadkari emphasized the revolutionary potential of hydrogen fuel in India’s transportation sector. “Hydrogen is the fuel of the future, and this trial is a pivotal step in reducing emissions and fostering energy self-reliance. Tata Motors’ leadership in sustainable mobility will drive India closer to an efficient, low-carbon future.”
Shri Pralhad Joshi echoed this sentiment, stating, “This initiative aligns with India’s commitment to a zero-carbon future. The National Green Hydrogen Mission aims to decarbonize the transport sector, and Tata Motors’ role in pioneering hydrogen truck trials showcases India’s ability to lead global climate action.”
Tata Motors’ Commitment to Green Mobility
Expressing pride in Tata Motors’ ongoing sustainability efforts, Mr. Girish Wagh remarked, “Tata Motors has been a frontrunner in driving India’s transition to cleaner, smarter, and sustainable mobility. With these hydrogen truck trials, we continue our legacy of innovation in commercial vehicles, paving the way for zero-emission long-haul transportation.”
The trial vehicles showcase Tata Motors’ expertise in hydrogen mobility, with models including the Tata Prima H.55S (both H2ICE and FCEV variants) and the Tata Prima H.28, an advanced H2ICE truck. Designed for an operational range of 300-500 km, these trucks promise enhanced fuel efficiency, lower operating costs, and superior safety features, such as advanced driver-assist systems and improved cabin ergonomics.
A Future-Ready Commercial Fleet
Tata Motors continues to push boundaries in alternative fuel technologies, offering a diverse portfolio spanning battery electric, CNG, LNG, hydrogen internal combustion, and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. The company has already successfully deployed 15 Hydrogen FCEV buses across India and is now extending its expertise to long-haul freight transport.
As India accelerates its transition towards sustainable mobility, Tata Motors’ hydrogen truck trials mark a defining moment in the country’s clean energy roadmap. With innovation at its core, Tata Motors is set to reshape the future of logistics, making India a global leader in green transportation.
