MNRE launches pilot for hydrogen fuel cell vehicle trials

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has launched a pilot project to conduct real-world trials of hydrogen fuel cell mobility in India. Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Shri Pralhad Joshi, formally launched the initiative, describing it as a step forward for India’s clean transport roadmap.

Under the pilot, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) has handed over its Mirai hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle to the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE). The collaboration has been formalised through a memorandum of understanding between NISE and Toyota.

NISE will test the vehicle across diverse Indian road and climate conditions, including heat, dust, traffic and varied terrain. The two-year study aims to generate data to support the scale-up of hydrogen-based mobility under the National Green Hydrogen Mission.

Shri Joshi said the pilot reflects India’s focus on green hydrogen and energy self-reliance. Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy, Shri Shripad Yesso Naik, said the project demonstrates the shift from policy planning to on-ground testing. Senior officials from MNRE, NISE and the National Green Hydrogen Mission were present at the launch.

The featured photograph (Source: Volvo Group) is for representation only.