Know All about hydrogen cars in India & their potential as eco-friendly future transportation in India. Understand benefits and future prospects of hydrogen fuel vehicles.
Hydrogen cars in India: Expected date & overview
India is gearing up for a clean energy revolution in the automobile sector, with hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) emerging as a strong alternative to conventional and electric vehicles. Hydrogen cars offer advantages such as faster refuelling, longer driving ranges, and zero emissions, making them an attractive solution for sustainable transportation. While still in the early stages, India's commitment to green hydrogen adoption indicates a promising future for hydrogen-powered mobility.
What are hydrogen cars?
Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) use hydrogen gas to generate electricity through a fuel cell stack, which powers the electric motor. Unlike battery electric vehicles (BEVs) that store electricity in batteries, FCVs produce electricity on demand, with only water vapour as the emission. This makes them an environmentally friendly alternative, particularly for long-haul and heavy-duty transportation.
India’s hydrogen roadmap
The Indian government has launched multiple initiatives to promote hydrogen as part of its National Green Hydrogen Mission. Some key policies include:
● Faster adoption and manufacturing of hybrid and electric vehicles (FAME) scheme – Expansion to support hydrogen-powered vehicles.
● National Hydrogen Energy Mission (NHEM) – Focus on green hydrogen production and applications.
● Public-private partnerships – Collaborations between government agencies and private firms to develop hydrogen fuelling infrastructure.
Expected launch of hydrogen cars in India
While hydrogen cars are not yet commercially available in India, several global and Indian automakers are exploring this technology. The following table provides an overview of expected models, their features, and the anticipated launch timeline:
Hydrogen cars expected in India
Car Model | Manufacturer | Powertrain | Range (km) | Refuelling Time | Expected Launch in India |
Toyota Mirai | Toyota Kirloskar Motor | Hydrogen fuel cell | 600+ | 5 minutes | 2025 (Pilot already underway) |
Hyundai Nexo | Hyundai | Hydrogen fuel cell | 600+ | 5 minutes | 2025-2026 (Expected entry based on infrastructure) |
Tata Hydrogen Buses | Tata Motors | Hydrogen fuel cell | 300-400 | 10 minutes | 2026 (Pilot for commercial fleets) |
Mahindra Hydrogen CV | Mahindra & Mahindra | Hydrogen fuel cell | 400+ | 10 minutes | 2026-2028 (Initially for commercial vehicles) |
Challenges for hydrogen cars in India
Despite their advantages, hydrogen cars face several roadblocks before becoming mainstream:
Challenges | Impact on Adoption |
Lack of refuelling infrastructure | Hydrogen stations are rare in India, limiting accessibility. The government plans to develop hydrogen corridors. |
High cost of hydrogen production | Green hydrogen production is expensive, though costs are expected to decline with technological advancements. |
Limited domestic manufacturing | India lacks local production of fuel cell technology, leading to reliance on imports. |
Competition from electric vehicles (EVs) | With strong EV adoption, passenger hydrogen cars may face stiff competition. |
Future prospects of hydrogen mobility in India
Hydrogen-powered vehicles are expected to gain traction first in commercial fleets, followed by passenger cars once the infrastructure is in place. Government investments and partnerships with Toyota, Hyundai, Tata, and Mahindra indicate that hydrogen mobility could see widespread adoption by 2030 and beyond.
Conclusion
Hydrogen cars have the potential to revolutionise India's automotive industry by offering a sustainable and efficient alternative to fossil fuels. While the first commercially available hydrogen cars may launch between 2025 and 2028, large-scale adoption will depend on infrastructure growth, cost reduction, and government policies. With the right investments, India could become a global leader in green hydrogen-powered transportation.
Get Quick Quote