Tata Motors: Leading India's Hydrogen Truck Trials

In a significant step towards India's vision of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, Tata Motors, the country’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, has launched its first-ever trials of hydrogen-powered heavy-duty trucks.

The pioneering initiative highlights the growing role of electric and alternative fuel technologies in India’s automotive sector, marking a key milestone in the country’s shift towards sustainable transportation.

Government backing for sustainable mobility

The hydrogen truck trial was officially launched by Shri Nitin Gadkari, the Hon’ble Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways, and Shri Pralhad Joshi, the Hon’ble Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy.

Tata Motors’ Executive Director Girish Wagh also participated in the event, alongside key delegates from the Government of India and the industry.

The project underscores the increasing collaboration between government and private players in promoting EV and hydrogen technologies, reflecting India’s broader green energy ambitions.

The trial is funded by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy through the National Green Hydrogen Mission, showcasing the government’s commitment to advancing sustainable fuel alternatives.

Tata Motors was awarded the tender for the trial, which aims to assess the viability of hydrogen-powered vehicles for long-distance haulage.

This initiative also lays the foundation for developing the necessary infrastructure to support a future hydrogen-powered transport ecosystem.

“Hydrogen is the fuel of the future with immense potential to transform India’s transportation sector by reducing emissions and enhancing energy self-reliance," says Shri Nitin Gadkari.

"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 adds: “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.”

Shaping the future of electric and hydrogen vehicles

Spanning over 24 months, the trial involves the deployment of 16 hydrogen-powered trucks, showcasing various configurations and payload capacities.

These vehicles will be tested on some of India’s busiest freight routes, such as those around Mumbai, Pune, Delhi-NCR, Surat, Vadodara, Jamshedpur and Kalinganagar, where the integration of electric and hydrogen-powered solutions will be closely monitored.

Tata Motors’ focus on hydrogen-powered trucks is an essential part of its broader strategy to lead the development of EVs and alternative fuel technologies in India. 

The trial vehicles include a combination of Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine (H2-ICE) and Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (H2-FCEV) technologies.

Among them are 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.

These trucks offer an operational range of 300-500 kilometres, providing a sustainable and cost-effective solution for long-distance cargo transport.

By incorporating cutting-edge EV technologies into their design, these vehicles are also equipped with enhanced driver-assist safety features and the premium Prima cabin, improving driver comfort and reducing fatigue.

This focus on technology not only promotes sustainability but also improves the overall efficiency and safety of commercial transportation.

Tata Motors accelerates India’s EV transformation

Tata Motors has long been at the forefront of the EV revolution and this trial further demonstrates the company's commitment to sustainable mobility.

With a diverse portfolio of electric and alternative-fuel vehicles, including battery electric, CNG, LNG, hydrogen internal combustion and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, Tata Motors is helping shape the future of green transportation in India.

Beyond hydrogen-powered trucks, the company’s work in electric vehicles is particularly noteworthy.

Tata Motors has already deployed 15 hydrogen FCEV buses on Indian roads, showing the practical potential of zero-emission vehicles in the public transport sector.

The success of these initiatives paves the way for the development of more comprehensive EV infrastructure and the widespread adoption of sustainable technologies in India’s automotive sector.

Through this hydrogen-powered truck trial, Tata Motors is not only advancing EV and hydrogen technologies but also contributing to India's broader goal of reducing emissions, fostering clean energy solutions and driving the transformation of the global automotive industry.

“Tata Motors is deeply honoured to be at the forefront of driving India’s transformation towards greener, smarter and sustainable mobility," says Girish Wagh. "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 and efficiency.” 

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