Tata Motors launches trial runs of hydrogen-powered long-haul trucks

Tata Motors on Friday flagged off the first trial runs of hydrogen-powered heavy-duty trucks in India, in a development that aligns with the country’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2070.

The trial phase will see 16 advanced hydrogen-powered vehicles of varying configurations and payload capacities, deployed for a period of 24 months. 

These trucks, equipped with new age Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engines (H2-ICE) and Fuel Cell (H2-FCEV) technologies, will be tested on India’s most prominent freight corridors.

Tata Motors, the country’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, will deploy these trucks across key freight corridors, including those around Mumbai, Pune, Delhi-NCR, Surat, Vadodara, Jamshedpur and Kalinganagar.

Tata Motors is conducting these trials under a tender funded by the ministry of new and renewable energy under the National Green Hydrogen Mission. 

The trials are aimed at assessing the commercial viability of using hydrogen powered vehicles for long haulage as well as the infrastructure requirement for their seamless operation.

The flagged-off vehicles include two Tata Prima trucks – one powered by Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine (H2ICE) and the other using Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) technology. 

Besides, there are two H.55S prime movers - one powered by H2ICE and the other by FCEV, as also the Tata Prima H.28, an advanced H2ICE truck. 

These trucks are engineered for sustainable, cost-efficient, and high-performance transportation and have an operational range of 300-500 km. 

Features include the premium Prima cabin and advanced driver-assist safety features intended to enhance driver comfort, reduce fatigue, and improve productivity.

Tata Motors has a pioneered a range of mobility solutions using alternative fuel technologies, including battery electric, CNG, LNG, hydrogen internal combustion, and hydrogen fuel cell. These are also being applied across various segments, including small commercial vehicles, trucks, buses and vans. 

The company has also developed and successfully deployed 15 Hydrogen FCEV buses, under a similar contract.