India Proposes Dual-Colour Number Plates for Hydrogen Vehicles
Key Ideas
- The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways in India has proposed dual-colour number plates for hydrogen vehicles to facilitate easy identification based on vehicle type and use.
- Private hydrogen vehicles will bear green-blue number plates with white figures, commercial vehicles will have the same backdrop with yellow figures, and hydrogen-powered cabs for rent will feature black-blue plates with yellow figures.
- India's push for a multi-fuel strategy includes hydrogen fuel as a promising option, particularly for long-haul trucks and buses, due to its energy density and lightweight storage advantages over batteries.
- Several Indian companies like Tata Motors, Ashok Leyland, and Olectra Greentech are actively involved in developing hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, while pilot projects supported by Reliance Industries, BPCL, and HPCL are working on establishing refuelling infrastructure for these vehicles.
The Indian government has introduced a proposal to implement dual-colour number plates specifically designed for hydrogen vehicles, with the aim of enhancing the identification process based on the type and usage of the vehicles. The new number plate scheme involves distinctive colors such as green, blue, black, white, and yellow, with variations depending on whether the vehicle is private, commercial, or a rented cab. This initiative aligns with India's commitment to promoting green mobility and streamlining the identification of vehicles powered by hydrogen fuel. The proposal builds on existing practices seen in the country, where electric vehicles already sport green number plates with white or yellow figures based on their use. Conventional internal combustion engine vehicles also adhere to a color-coded system with white plates for private vehicles, yellow plates for commercial use, and black plates for rental vehicles. The adoption of hydrogen fuel in India forms part of a broader multi-fuel strategy aimed at decarbonizing the transport sector. Hydrogen is particularly earmarked as a promising option for long-haul trucks and buses due to its high energy density and lightweight storage benefits compared to traditional batteries. The country is witnessing advancements in the development of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles led by Indian companies like Tata Motors, Ashok Leyland, and Olectra Greentech. Moreover, supported by pilot projects backed by key entities such as Reliance Industries, BPCL, and HPCL, efforts are underway to establish refuelling infrastructure along crucial freight routes. Abhay Bakre, Director of the National Green Hydrogen Mission, anticipates that India could have more than 1,000 hydrogen-powered trucks and buses on the roads by 2030, with an initial 50 vehicles expected to be operational this year. Notably, India already employs color-coded number plates for specific vehicle categories like embassy vehicles, newly registered vehicles, and those designated for top government officials.
Topics
Public Transit
Automotive Industry
Transportation
Sustainable Energy
Infrastructure Development
Green Mobility
Vehicle Identification
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