India to Have Over 1,000 Hydrogen Trucks and Buses by 2030

Key Highlights:

• India plans 1,000+ hydrogen trucks and buses by 2030.
• Around 50 vehicles will run by the end of this year.
• Hydrogen suits long-distance heavy vehicles better than batteries.
• The government launched a mission to boost hydrogen fuel use and production.
• Tata, Ashok Leyland, and Reliance are already testing hydrogen vehicles.

India is moving forward with its green transport plans. A senior government official has said that over 1,000 hydrogen-powered trucks and buses could be running on Indian roads by 2030. This move is part of the country’s multi-fuel strategy to cut down transport emissions.

Abhay Bakre, Director of the Green Hydrogen Mission, shared the update during an event organized by SIAM on World Environment Day. “Almost 50 trucks and buses should be running this year. From next year, we will see more scale-up. By 2030, we hope over 1,000 hydrogen trucks and buses will be operating commercially.”

National Green Hydrogen Mission in Action

To promote clean fuel use, the Indian government launched the National Green Hydrogen Mission in 2023. This mission aims to build a green hydrogen production capacity of 5 million metric tonnes per year by 2030. It also targets 60–100 GW of electrolyser capacity and has a budget of ₹19,744 crore until 2029–2030. Under the mission, a special scheme supports the development of hydrogen-powered vehicles. It includes both fuel cell and internal combustion engine (ICE) technologies.

Why Hydrogen for Heavy Vehicles?

Medium and heavy commercial vehicles (M&HCVs), such as trucks and buses, are a major source of pollution. These vehicles cover long distances and carry heavy loads. Using battery-powered options is difficult because large batteries take up space and add extra weight. Hydrogen, especially when produced from renewable sources, offers a clean and efficient alternative. It has higher energy density and needs lighter storage, making it more suitable for long-haul transport.

Industry Collaboration Underway

Hydrogen ICEs are seen as easier to adopt in the early stages. They can be added to existing truck models with fewer changes in manufacturing. Leading companies such as Tata Motors, Ashok Leyland, and Olectra Greentech are already working on hydrogen vehicles.

Oil companies like Reliance Industries, BPCL, and HPCL are also helping by setting up hydrogen refuelling stations on major highways. In a key development, Ashok Leyland and Reliance launched India’s first hydrogen ICE truck last year. Tata Motors also delivered hydrogen fuel cell buses to Indian Oil.

Also Read: Tata Motors Flags Off Hydrogen Truck Trials in India

CMV360 Says

Many people see trucks and buses every day, whether on highways or in cities, but not everyone thinks about the pollution they cause. These heavy vehicles cover long distances and use a lot of fuel. If hydrogen can power them in the future, it will reduce harmful smoke and improve air quality. This step is good because trucks and buses cause a lot of pollution. If these vehicles start using clean fuel like hydrogen, it will help in daily life. People can enjoy cleaner air, less noise, and a better place to live.