Government Sets Target of 1,000 Hydrogen Trucks and Buses by 2030

India plans to put more than 1,000 hydrogen-powered trucks and buses on its roads by the end of the decade, according to the Government’s Green Hydrogen Mission. This is a part of reducing emissions in the transport sector using a multi-fuel approach.

Initial Vehicles to Begin in 2024

Around 50 hydrogen-powered commercial vehicles are expected to be operational this year. Scaling is expected to begin from 2025. By 2030, the target is to have over 1,000 such vehicles being used commercially.

Focus on Medium and Heavy Vehicles

As per news reports, the focus is on medium and heavy commercial vehicles, which are commonly used for long-distance freight. These contribute a major share of emissions due to their fuel consumption. Battery-electric models are considered less feasible in this segment because of the size and weight of the battery packs required. Hydrogen is being explored as an alternative.

Hydrogen as Fuel

Hydrogen has higher energy density than batteries and requires lighter storage systems. When generated from renewable sources, it does not emit carbon during use. The government is looking at both hydrogen fuel cells and internal combustion engine (ICE) technology as propulsion options. Adoption of ICE-based vehicles is expected to be faster initially due to simpler integration with existing systems.

Read more: Government of India Launches 5 Pilot Projects Under the National Hydrogen Mission!

National Green Hydrogen Mission

Launched in 2023, the mission has a target of producing at least 5 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA) of green hydrogen by 2030. It also aims to set up 60-100 GW of electrolyser capacity. The total budget outlay for the mission is ₹19,744 crore, to be spent until 2029-30.

Industry and Infrastructure

Companies like Tata Motors, Ashok Leyland, and Olectra Greentech are working on hydrogen-powered vehicles. Pilot projects have also started, backed by Reliance Industries, BPCL, and HPCL, which are working on establishing refueling stations along key freight routes.

Conclusion

The government is working with industry players to introduce hydrogen-powered vehicles in phases. The long-term goal is to reduce transport emissions using hydrogen technology.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.