NEW DELHI, India, March 6: Indian commercial vehicle manufacturer, Tata Motors, has officially begun trials for its hydrogen-powered heavy-duty trucks, designed for long-haul transportation. This initiative marks a key step in Tata Motors' efforts to lead sustainable mobility solutions and aligns with India's ambitious target to reach net-zero emissions by 2070.

Tata Motors has received a tender for this trial phase, supported by the Indian Ministry of New and Renewable Energy under the National Green Hydrogen Mission. The trials are intended to evaluate the viability of hydrogen-powered vehicles for long-distance haulage and to explore the development of the required infrastructure for this transition.

The trials, which are expected to last up to two years, will involve the deployment of 16 advanced hydrogen-powered trucks with varying configurations and payload capacities. These trucks will be tested across major freight routes in India, including routes around cities like Mumbai, Pune, Surat, Vadodara, Delhi-NCR, Jamshedpur, and Kalinganagar.

Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, commented, “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.”

The hydrogen-powered vehicles involved in the trials include two Tata Prima H.55S prime movers—one with Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine (H2-ICE) technology and the other with Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) technology—along with the Tata Prima H.28, an advanced H2-ICE truck.

These vehicles are designed to provide sustainable, cost-efficient, and high-performance transportation, with an operational range between 300 and 500 kilometers. Additionally, the trucks feature the “premium Prima cabin” and “advanced driver-assist safety features,” which aim to enhance driver comfort, reduce fatigue, and improve overall productivity, setting new safety standards in the trucking industry.

The trials are expected to provide crucial insights into the effectiveness of hydrogen fuel in commercial transportation and contribute to the establishment of a robust green hydrogen infrastructure in India.

In a related development, Tata Motors recently inaugurated a vehicle scrapping facility (RVSF) in Guwahati, Assam, capable of dismantling up to 15,000 end-of-life vehicles annually using eco-friendly processes. This facility, named 'Re.Wi.Re – Recycle with Respect,' further underscores the company's commitment to sustainability.

These efforts demonstrate Tata Motors' leadership in pushing the boundaries of innovation in the automotive sector, marking a significant leap toward India's goal of sustainable transportation and reduced carbon emissions.