The trials, launched by Shri Nitin Gadkari and Shri Pralhad Joshi, will evaluate H2-ICE and FCEV technologies across important freight corridors, reaffirming Tata Motors’ commitment to green mobility and India’s net-zero objectives.

Tata Motors, India’s largest commercial vehicle maker, has launched the first-ever testing of hydrogen-powered heavy-duty trucks, marking a significant step towards India’s goal of attaining net-zero emissions by 2070.  This historic trial, which marks a key step towards sustainable long-distance cargo transportation, was launched by Shri Nitin Gadkari, Hon’ble Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, and Shri Pralhad Joshi, Hon’ble Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy.  Girish Wagh, Executive Director of Tata Motors, attended the ceremony, as did other senior delegations from the Indian government and the two enterprises.

Tata Motors’ pioneering project demonstrates its commitment to leading the charge in sustainable transportation solutions, which aligns with India’s broader green energy aspirations.  It was awarded the contract for this trial, which is supported by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy through the National Green Hydrogen Mission. It is a big step forward in determining the real-world commercial viability of deploying hydrogen-powered vehicles for long-distance transport, as well as establishing the necessary enabling infrastructure for their smooth operation.

The testing phase will last up to 24 months and will include the deployment of 16 sophisticated hydrogen-powered vehicles in various configurations and payload capacities. These trucks, equipped with cutting-edge Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engines (H2-ICE) and Fuel Cell (H2-FCEV) technologies, will be tested on India’s most important freight routes, including those near Mumbai, Pune, Delhi-NCR, Surat, Vadodara, Jamshedpur, and Kalinganagar.

Flagging-off the trial, Shri Nitin Gadkari, Hon’ble Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, says “Hydrogen is the fuel of the future with immense potential to transform India’s transportation sector by reducing emissions and enhancing energy self-reliance. Such Initiatives will accelerate the transition to sustainable mobility in heavy-duty trucking, and move us closer to an efficient, low-carbon future. I congratulate Tata Motors for taking the lead in this significant step towards enabling hydrogen-powered green and smart transportation.”

Shri Pralhad Joshi, Hon’ble Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India remarks, “Hydrogen is an important fuel for India’s transition to a sustainable and zero-carbon future. The beginning of this trial is a significant step forward in showcasing the potential of green hydrogen in decarbonizing India’s transportation sector. This initiative, part of the National Green Hydrogen Mission, reflects our commitment to driving innovation and achieving India’s energy independence while contributing to global climate goals. I applaud Tata Motors for taking the lead in this pioneering effort.”

Girish Wagh, Executive Director, Tata Motors, highlights Tata Motors’ preparedness, “Tata Motors is deeply honored to be at the forefront of driving India’s transformation towards greener, smarter, and sustainable mobility. As a company with a long-standing commitment to nation-building, we have continuously embraced innovation to develop mobility solutions that contribute to India’s growth and development. Today, with the commencement of these hydrogen truck trials, we are proud to further this legacy by pioneering the transition to clean, zero-emission energy for long-haul transportation. We are grateful to the Government of India for their visionary leadership in making this possible, and we remain committed to playing our part in building sustainable, future-ready mobility solutions that will deliver better performance and efficiency.” 

The vehicles that have been flagged off demonstrate Tata Motors’ holistic approach to hydrogen mobility, as they feature both Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine (H2ICE) and Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) technology.  This features two Tata Prima H.55S prime movers, one powered by H2ICE and the other by FCEV, as well as the Tata Prima H.28, which is an advanced H2ICE vehicle.  These vehicles, with an operational range of 300-500 kilometres, are designed for long-term, cost-effective, and high-performance transportation.  Featuring the luxury Prima cabin and modern driver-assist safety systems, they improve driver comfort, reduce tiredness, and increase productivity while setting new trucking safety standards.

Tata Motors is in the forefront of developing novel mobility solutions based on alternative fuel technologies such as battery electric, CNG, LNG, hydrogen internal combustion, and hydrogen fuel cells.  The company provides a diverse range of alternative-fuel-powered commercial vehicles across multiple segments, including small commercial vehicles, trucks, buses, and vans. The company won a tender for 15 Hydrogen FCEV buses, which were successfully deployed on Indian highways.

For more information, visit: https://www.tatamotors.com/