Key headings
The current scenario of hydrogen car in India
No commercially available models
Despite the growing interest, there are currently no hydrogen car in India is available for purchase. However, several players like Hyundai, Honda, Toyota, and Indian giants like Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra are actively testing and developing hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCVs).
Pilot projects and trials are underway
Several pilot projects are exploring the feasibility of hydrogen transportation, including running hydrogen buses in select cities. These initiatives aim to gather data and build the necessary infrastructure. Honda introduces hydrogen-powered CR-V in India by 2025, challenging Toyota and Hyundai. Promises eco-friendly SUV, potentially reshaping market dynamics.
Government support
The Indian government has acknowledged the potential of hydrogen and launched the National Hydrogen Mission to promote research, development, and deployment of hydrogen technologies. Indian government is easing local car manufacturers as well as giving opportunities to international producers like Toyota and Honda with their respective projects in India.
The potential benefits of having hydrogen cars in India
- Zero tailpipe emissions: Hydrogen cars emit only water vapor, making them a cleaner alternative. This aligns with India’s emission reduction goals and its fight against air pollution.
- Long range and fast refueling: Hydrogen cars offer comparable range to gasoline vehicles and can be refueled in minutes, similar to petrol or diesel, addressing a key concern with EVs.
- Energy security: India primarily relies on imported oil. Producing hydrogen domestically from renewable sources like solar and wind could enhance energy security.
The challenges ahead of having hydrogen car in India
- Infrastructure gap: Building a network of hydrogen refueling stations across India is a significant challenge requiring substantial investment.
- High initial cost: FCVs are currently expensive compared to conventional cars, making them less accessible to the mass market.
- Hydrogen production: Producing clean hydrogen, particularly green hydrogen from renewable sources, is crucial for the technology’s sustainability.
The road ahead for hydrogen car in India
While hydrogen cars hold great promise, their widespread adoption in India will depend on overcoming several hurdles. Collaboration between the government, private sector, and research institutions is key to developing cost-effective technologies, building infrastructure, and promoting awareness. It’s likely that hydrogen cars will play a role in India’s future mobility landscape, but their arrival might take longer than some anticipate.
Recently, Honda has announced introduces hydrogen-powered CR-V in Japan and the USA, which is expected to be seen in Indian market in upcoming years like Toyota and Hyundai. It promises eco-friendly SUV, potentially reshaping market dynamics.
