India's Sustainable Mobility Revolution: 1,000 Hydrogen-Powered Vehicles by 2030
Key Ideas
  • India plans to deploy over 1,000 hydrogen-powered buses and trucks by 2030 as part of the National Green Hydrogen Mission to decarbonize long-haul transport.
  • Hydrogen vehicles offer high energy density and faster refueling times, making them a viable alternative to diesel trucks and buses, particularly for long-distance operations.
  • Leading manufacturers like Tata Motors and Ashok Leyland are actively involved in developing and testing hydrogen-powered commercial vehicles in partnership with companies like Reliance Industries.
India is embarking on a transformational journey in sustainable mobility by aiming to deploy more than 1,000 hydrogen-powered buses and trucks by 2030. This initiative, under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, targets decarbonizing the long-haul transport sector and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. While last-mile deliveries increasingly rely on battery electric vehicles, long-haul operations face challenges in range and payload, making hydrogen-powered vehicles an attractive solution with their high energy density and quick refueling capabilities. By the end of 2025, India aims to have 50 operational hydrogen-powered trucks and buses, with plans for significant growth annually. Key logistics corridors and urban routes are expected to be served by over 1,000 hydrogen commercial vehicles by 2030. Pilot projects are already underway on routes like Delhi-Agra and Pune-Mumbai to assess real-world performance and optimize refueling logistics. The initiative involves a mix of fuel cell and hydrogen-ICE technologies, with prominent manufacturers such as Tata Motors and Ashok Leyland leading the way in developing and testing these vehicles. While hydrogen-ICE vehicles are anticipated to have quicker adoption due to existing infrastructure compatibility, fuel cell vehicles offer a zero-emission, long-term solution. With a substantial budget and ambitious targets set for green hydrogen production and electrolyser capacity, India's hydrogen mobility push is supported by the establishment of nine refueling stations along key transport routes. This collaborative effort includes government agencies, public sector entities like NTPC and Indian Oil, and private industry leaders to drive research, manufacturing, and deployment of hydrogen-powered vehicles. India's movement towards hydrogen mobility aligns with global trends and initiatives in Asia, Europe, and North America where hydrogen is increasingly adopted for heavy-duty transport, contributing to significant carbon emission reductions in a traditionally polluting segment of the transport sector.
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