Hydrogen Truck Trials Begin Across Key Freight Corridors
Tata Motors, India’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, has launched the India’s First Hydrogen Truck trials, marking a major milestone in India’s journey towards a net-zero emissions future. The trials, officially flagged off by Union Ministers Shri Nitin Gadkari (Road Transport & Highways) and Shri Pralhad Joshi (New and Renewable Energy), will involve 16 trucks navigating crucial freight corridors across the nation. The initiative is a part of the National Green Hydrogen Mission, funded by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, and aims to assess the feasibility of hydrogen-powered transport for long-distance cargo haulage.
Speaking at the launch event, Shri Nitin Gadkari emphasized the potential of hydrogen as the future fuel, highlighting its ability to reduce emissions and promote energy self-sufficiency. Shri Pralhad Joshi echoed similar sentiments, describing the trial as a significant step towards India’s sustainable and zero-carbon transportation landscape. Tata Motors’ Executive Director, Mr. Girish Wagh, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to sustainable mobility and nation-building through innovative transport solutions.
Cutting-Edge Hydrogen Technology on Trial
The two-year trial phase will see 16 hydrogen-powered trucks operating on major trade routes, including Mumbai, Pune, Delhi-NCR, Surat, Vadodara, Jamshedpur, and Kalinganagar. These trucks will utilize advanced Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine (H2-ICE) and Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (H2-FCEV) technologies to test real-world viability. Tata Motors, a leader in alternative fuel solutions, won the contract for this trial, reinforcing its role in shaping the future of eco-friendly freight transportation.
Among the vehicles on trial are the Tata Prima H.55S prime movers, with one powered by H2-ICE and another by FCEV, as well as the Tata Prima H.28, an advanced H2-ICE truck. These vehicles boast an impressive operational range of 300-500 km per refueling, making them a promising solution for long-haul transportation. The trucks feature Tata Motors’ premium Prima cabin, ensuring driver comfort, safety, and efficiency while setting new standards in the trucking industry.
India’s Push for Sustainable Mobility
Tata Motors has been at the forefront of green mobility, investing in alternative fuel technologies such as battery-electric, CNG, LNG, and hydrogen-powered vehicles. The company has already deployed 15 hydrogen FCEV buses on Indian roads and continues to expand its portfolio of sustainable transport solutions. With the India’s First Hydrogen Truck trials, Tata Motors aims to accelerate the adoption of clean energy in freight transportation, contributing to India’s ambitious goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.
The government’s support for hydrogen as a viable fuel source is evident through the National Green Hydrogen Mission, which seeks to position India as a global hub for hydrogen production and usage. The successful execution of these India’s First Hydrogen Truck could lay the foundation for widespread hydrogen adoption in the commercial vehicle sector, ultimately transforming India’s transport industry into a greener, more sustainable model. As Tata Motors takes the lead in this pioneering effort, the initiative signals a promising shift towards energy-efficient and environmentally friendly logistics solutions in the country.
