New Delhi: Hyundai Motor India has entered into an agreement with Indian Oil Corporation to test the feasibility of hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles on Indian roads, marking a key step towards exploring alternative clean mobility options. As part of the collaboration, Hyundai has handed over one unit of its hydrogen-powered Nexo SUV to Indian Oil for a two-year-long trial.

The hydrogen fuel cell vehicle will be tested across real-world conditions in India over an estimated 40,000 km to assess its operational reliability and longevity. The trial will also include a detailed Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) analysis, which will consider aspects such as periodic maintenance, to evaluate the long-term financial and environmental viability of hydrogen mobility in the country.

The Nexo was first showcased in India at the Auto Expo 2020 and later at the 2023 edition, indicating Hyundai’s sustained interest in bringing hydrogen-powered vehicles to Indian consumers. However, hydrogen refuelling infrastructure in the country remains at a nascent stage, posing one of the biggest challenges to scaling such technology.

Unsoo Kim, managing director of Hyundai Motor India, said, “Together, we seek to unlock the potential of green hydrogen as a transformative energy source, making it accessible, affordable, and sustainable. We are confident this collaboration will serve as a critical step in demonstrating the potential of hydrogen as an alternate sustainable fuel source in the times to come.”

Hyundai’s latest move comes amid a broader push among automotive players to explore hydrogen as a clean fuel alternative. Tata Motors began trials of India’s first hydrogen-powered heavy-duty trucks last month, with tests scheduled over the next 24 months. Ashok Leyland is also working on hydrogen-powered commercial vehicles and aims to launch them by October 2026. Mahindra & Mahindra, meanwhile, has laid early groundwork in the hydrogen fuel cell vehicle space.

While electric vehicles continue to gain ground in India, the entry of hydrogen into the mobility mix reflects a parallel interest in technologies that can offer longer range and faster refuelling for commercial and passenger use. The outcome of Hyundai and Indian Oil’s pilot could help shape the roadmap for future hydrogen-powered vehicles in India.

BI Bureau