In a significant step toward India’s net-zero emissions goal, Tata Motors kicks off pioneering hydrogen truck trials, backed by the National Green Hydrogen Mission

In a move that aligns with India’s ambition to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070, Tata Motors has launched the first-ever trials of hydrogen-powered heavy-duty trucks. This historic trial was flagged off by Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways, and Pralhad Joshi, Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy. The ceremony was attended by key delegates from the Government of India, along with Girish Wagh, Executive Director of Tata Motors.

This pioneering initiative aims to assess the commercial viability of hydrogen-powered trucks for long-distance cargo transportation to reduce emissions and enhance India’s energy self-reliance. Tata Motors was awarded the tender for this trial under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, funded by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.

The trial, which will span up to 24 months, will involve the deployment of 16 hydrogen-powered trucks equipped with advanced Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engines (H2-ICE) and Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (H2-FCEV) technologies. These trucks will be tested on some of India’s busiest freight routes, including those around Mumbai, Pune, Delhi-NCR, Surat, Vadodara, Jamshedpur, and Kalinganagar. The trucks come in varying configurations and payload capacities and are designed for high-performance, cost-efficient, and sustainable transportation with an operational range of 300-500 km.

Nitin Gadkari, in his address at the event, emphasized the potential of hydrogen as a transformative fuel for India’s transportation sector. He stated, “Hydrogen is the fuel of the future, capable of reducing emissions and enhancing energy self-reliance. Initiatives like these will accelerate the transition to sustainable mobility in heavy-duty trucking, bringing us closer to a low-carbon future.”

Pralhad Joshi also highlighted the importance of green hydrogen in India’s transition to a sustainable energy future. “This trial marks a significant step in demonstrating the potential of green hydrogen in decarbonizing India’s transportation sector. This is part of our commitment to achieving energy independence while contributing to global climate goals,” he said.

Girish Wagh, Executive Director at Tata Motors, expressed the company’s dedication to pioneering green and smart mobility solutions. “We are deeply honored to be at the forefront of India’s transition towards cleaner, smarter mobility. With these hydrogen truck trials, we are proud to advance India’s sustainable transport solutions and contribute to the nation’s energy goals,” he said.

The trial trucks include two Tata Prima H.55S prime movers—one powered by H2ICE and the other by H2FCEV—alongside the Tata Prima H.28, an advanced H2ICE truck. These trucks are equipped with premium cabins and advanced driver-assist safety features, ensuring a high level of comfort, safety, and productivity for drivers.

Tata Motors has long been a leader in developing alternative fuel solutions, with a strong portfolio that includes battery electric, CNG, LNG, hydrogen internal combustion, and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. The company has already deployed hydrogen FCEV buses on Indian roads and continues to drive innovation in sustainable commercial mobility.

This initiative further solidifies Tata Motors’ role as a key player in India’s green mobility landscape, supporting the nation’s transition to a sustainable, low-carbon future.