Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL) and Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (Indian Oil) have entered into an agreement to explore the potential of hydrogen fuel cell technology for the Indian mobility sector. The two companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding on April 22, under which Hyundai has handed over a NEXO Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) to Indian Oil for field testing.
The collaboration involves a two-year pilot program during which the NEXO will undergo performance evaluation across a distance of roughly 40,000 kilometers under real-world driving conditions. The program will also include a detailed assessment of total ownership costs, including service and upkeep, to determine the practical benefits of adopting hydrogen-powered vehicles in India.
“Through this collaboration with Indian Oil, we’re combining advanced hydrogen fuel cell technology with India’s growing energy expertise,” said Unsoo Kim, Managing Director of Hyundai Motor India. “We aim to demonstrate the potential of green hydrogen in shaping the future of sustainable mobility.”
Dr Alok Sharma, Director of Research and Development and Board Member at Indian Oil, emphasized the importance of hydrogen in achieving India’s clean energy goals. “This partnership with Hyundai will allow us to deepen our understanding of fuel cell technology and support the country’s transition to cleaner transportation solutions,” he noted.
The initiative comes at a time when India is ramping up its efforts to adopt cleaner fuel alternatives. The government’s National Green Hydrogen Mission is a key part of this strategy, aiming to position India as a major player in the global green hydrogen space.
Hyundai has extensive experience in multiple vehicle propulsion systems, including petrol and diesel engines, compressed natural gas, hybrid, electric, and hydrogen technologies. The company is also working with the Indian Institute of Technology Madras to establish a Hydrogen Innovation Centre focused on testing and validating components for green hydrogen systems.
Indian Oil, the country’s largest oil and gas company, is actively investing in cleaner energy alternatives as part of its long-term sustainability plan. Its focus includes expanding into renewable and alternative fuels to reduce environmental impact and support the global transition to low-emission energy sources.
If successful, this hydrogen vehicle trial could play a critical role in shaping the direction of India’s transport sector. The findings may help reduce oil import dependence and contribute to lowering emissions from the country’s rapidly growing vehicle fleet.
