Tata Motors launches country’s first hydrogen truck trials

By Staff Report March 4, 2025 7:13 pm IST

The trial phase will span up to 24 months and involves the deployment of 16 advanced hydrogen-powered vehicles with varying configurations and payload capacities.

Tata Motors launched the first-ever trials of hydrogen-powered heavy-duty trucks. This trial, which marks a significant step towards sustainable long-distance cargo transportation, was flagged off by Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways, and Pralhad Joshi, Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy. The ceremony also saw the participation of Girish Wagh, Executive Director, Tata Motors, among other delegates from the Government of India and the two companies.

Tata Motors awarded the tender for this trial, which is funded by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy under the National Green Hydrogen Mission. It marks a significant step forward in assessing the real-world commercial viability of using hydrogen-powered vehicles for long-distance haulage as well as setting-up the requisite enabling infrastructure for their seamless operation.

The trial phase will span up to 24 months and involves the 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.

Nitin Gadkari, 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.”

Pralhad Joshi, 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.”

The flagged-off vehicles exemplify Tata Motors’ comprehensive approach to hydrogen mobility, displaying 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, and high-performance transportation. Featuring the premium Prima cabin and advanced driver-assist safety features, they enhance driver comfort, reduce fatigue, and improve productivity while setting new benchmarks for safety in trucking.

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 robust 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.