Tata Motors Commences India’s First Hydrogen Truck Trials: Here Are Insights

In a landmark development towards achieving net zero emissions, Tata Motors flags off India’s first official hydrogen truck trials. Read here for more details

Key Highlights

• Tata Motors helps India get closer to a sustainability future with country’s first hydrogen truck trials
• 16 Tata Motors trucks will drive across key freight corridors, paving the way for a net-zero emissions future.
• The trial run phase will span many months and involves deployment of 16 advanced hydrogen-powered vehicles. 

In a significant step that underscores Tata Motors' commitment to achieving net zero emission by 2070, the company, known for being one of the largest commercial vehicle manufacturers, has flagged off the first-ever trials of hydrogen-powered heavy-duty trucks in India. This trail run was flagged off by Shri Nitin Gadkari, Hon’ble Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways, Shri Pralhad Joshi, Hon’ble Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy. The ceremony was conducted in the presence of Girish Wagh, executive director, Tata Motors, among other delegates from the Government of India and two other companies.

The Roadmap: Tata Motors Targets Sustainability

With this initiative of commencing hydrogen propelled heavy-duty truck trail runs, Tata Motors underscores its commitment to leading the charge in sustainable mobility solutions, aligning with India’s broader green energy goals. The company received the tender for this trial, funded by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy under the National Green Hydrogen Mission. This milestone is to analyze the efficiency and the real-world commercial viability of using hydrogen-powered vehicles for long-distance haulage, as well as setting up infrastructure for seamless operations. The aim is to enhance the adoption of more efficient and sustainable mobility solutions to meet the green energy goals and for a better future. 

Insights On Trial Run Hydrogen Trucks

The flagged-off vehicles are an example of Tata Motors’ comprehensive approach to hydrogen mobility, displaying both Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine (H2ICE) and Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) technologies. This includes two Tata Prima H.55S prime movers; one powered by H2ICE and the other by FCEV, alongside the Tata Prima H.28, an advanced H2ICE truck. With an operational range of 300-500 km, these vehicles are engineered for sustainable, cost-efficient operations and high-performance transportation. Featuring the premium Prima cabin and advanced driver-assist safety features, they enhance driver comfort, reduce fatigue, and improve productivity. 

The Trail Run Duration In India? 

The trial run phase will span up to 24 months and involves deployment of 16 advanced hydrogen-powered vehicles with varying configurations and payload capacities. These trucks, equipped with new age Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engines (H2-ICE) and Fuel Cell (H2-FCEV) technologies, will be tested on India’s most prominent freight routes, including those around Mumbai, Pune, Delhi-NCR, Surat, Vadodara, Jamshedpur and Kalinganagar. This is to understand the range efficiency and explore the requirements to further enhance the product in terms of performance and suitability to tough applications. 

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Shri Nitin Gadkari, Shri Pralhad Joshi And Tata Motors Comments: 

Shri Nitin Gadkari, Hon’ble Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, said, “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 said, “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, said, “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” 

Conclusion: Why Choose Tata Motors As Your Mobility Partner?  

Tata Motors is at the forefront of developing innovative mobility solutions powered by alternative fuel technologies such as battery electric, CNG, LNG, hydrogen internal combustion, and hydrogen fuel cell. The company offers a solid product portfolio of alternate-fuel powered commercial vehicles across various segments, including small commercial vehicles, trucks, buses and vans. The company had won a tender of 15 Hydrogen FCEV buses, which are successfully deployed on Indian roads.

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