Tata Motors, India’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, has initiated the country’s first-ever trials of hydrogen-powered heavy-duty trucks as part of India’s broader vision to reach net-zero emissions by 2070. The milestone trial was flagged off by Shri Nitin Gadkari, Hon’ble Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways, and Shri Pralhad Joshi, Hon’ble Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy, along with other senior government officials and Tata Motors executives, including Girish Wagh, Executive Director of Tata Motors.
This pioneering initiative emphasizes Tata Motors’ dedication to advancing sustainable mobility solutions in line with India’s green energy ambitions. The trial, funded by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, aims to evaluate the practicality and commercial feasibility of hydrogen-powered vehicles for long-distance freight transport while also establishing the infrastructure required for their smooth operation.
The trial will span 24 months and involve 16 hydrogen-powered trucks with different configurations and payload capacities. These trucks, which are equipped with cutting-edge Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engines (H2-ICE) and Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (H2-FCEV) technologies, will be tested on major freight routes in India, including those in Mumbai, Pune, Delhi-NCR, Surat, Vadodara, Jamshedpur, and Kalinganagar.
At the trial’s launch, Shri Nitin Gadkari remarked, “Hydrogen has the potential to revolutionize India’s transport sector, significantly reducing emissions while enhancing energy independence. This initiative will accelerate the transition to sustainable mobility in the heavy-duty trucking sector and bring us closer to a low-carbon future. I commend Tata Motors for their leadership in this important endeavor.”
Shri Pralhad Joshi added, “Hydrogen is a critical fuel for India’s transition to a sustainable, zero-carbon future. The commencement of these trials marks a significant step in demonstrating the role of green hydrogen in decarbonizing India’s transportation sector. This project, under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, underscores our commitment to driving innovation and achieving energy independence while contributing to global climate goals. I congratulate Tata Motors for leading this initiative.”
Girish Wagh, Executive Director of Tata Motors, expressed the company’s excitement, saying, “Tata Motors is proud to lead India’s shift to greener, smarter, and sustainable mobility solutions. As a company that has always focused on nation-building, we are committed to delivering innovations that contribute to India’s growth. The launch of these hydrogen truck trials represents a significant milestone in our efforts to promote clean, zero-emission energy for long-haul transportation. We thank the Government of India for their vision and support, and we remain committed to advancing sustainable mobility solutions for a better tomorrow.”
The hydrogen-powered trucks being tested include the Tata Prima H.55S prime movers—one with a H2ICE engine and the other with an FCEV system—alongside the Tata Prima H.28, an advanced H2ICE truck. These vehicles are designed to cover operational ranges of 300 to 500 km, offering a sustainable, cost-effective, and high-performance transport solution. Equipped with the premium Prima cabin and advanced driver-assistance safety features, they ensure superior driver comfort, reduce fatigue, and improve productivity while setting new standards for safety in the trucking industry.
Tata Motors continues to lead the development of alternative fuel technologies, including battery electric, CNG, LNG, hydrogen internal combustion, and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. The company also offers a wide range of commercial vehicles powered by these alternative fuels, including small commercial vehicles, trucks, buses, and vans. Tata Motors recently won a tender for 15 hydrogen-powered FCEV buses, which are already operating successfully on Indian roads.
