Hydrogen wheels: Why Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Mr. Nitin Gadkari, is betting big on trucks powered by fuel cells

India is advancing hydrogen fuel cell trucks as a key solution to reduce emissions in freight transport, with Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Mr. Nitin Gadkari, confirming that foundational work is underway. 10 major projects involving companies like Tata Motors and Ashok Leyland are focused on operating hydrogen-based trucks and buses, alongside developing hydrogen refuelling infrastructure. Tata Motors is testing 16 heavy-duty trucks, including hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (H2-FCEVs) and hydrogen internal combustion engine (H2-ICE) models, across major freight corridors, while Ashok Leyland aims to commercially launch its first hydrogen-powered truck within 18 to 24 months. Indian Oil is also investing in hydrogen infrastructure, including India’s largest green hydrogen project at Panipat, and establishing hydrogen dispensing stations.
Despite the promising developments, challenges remain, including high production costs, limited infrastructure, and regulatory gaps, particularly concerning retrofitting internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to run on hydrogen. A recent Standard and Poor's (S&P) Global report projects that hydrogen will comprise less than 5% of India’s heavy truck market by 2032 without stronger policy support. Nonetheless, hydrogen forms a vital part of India’s net-zero target by 2070, with efforts underway to explore the conversion of existing vehicles and expand alternative fuel use in commercial transport and construction equipment. With road transport contributing nearly 40% to India’s air pollution, the government’s hydrogen push aligns with broader decarbonisation goals to reduce fossil fuel reliance while accommodating growing freight demand.

Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.