Tata Motors, the largest commercial vehicle manufacturer in India, has launched a groundbreaking initiative to drive the country’s green future forward. On March 4, 2025, the company initiated the trials of hydrogen-powered heavy-duty trucks, marking a significant milestone in sustainable long-distance cargo transportation. This move is in line with India’s vision to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070, and the hydrogen truck trials are poised to play a crucial role in that transition.
The trial was officially flagged off by Nitin Gadkari, India’s Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways, and Pralhad Joshi, Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy. The event also saw the presence of Girish Wagh, Executive Director of Tata Motors, along with other key government officials and industry representatives.
Tata Motors was awarded the tender for this trial by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, as part of India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission. The trial phase, which will run for up to 24 months, involves deploying 16 advanced hydrogen-powered trucks. These trucks feature cutting-edge Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine (H2-ICE) and Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (H2-FCEV) technologies. The trucks will be tested on major freight corridors, including Mumbai, Pune, Delhi-NCR, Surat, Vadodara, Jamshedpur, and Kalinganagar, to assess their commercial viability for long-haul transport.
The Promise of Hydrogen in India’s Transport Sector
At the launch, Minister Gadkari emphasized the immense potential of hydrogen as the fuel of the future, calling it a game-changer for India’s transportation sector. “Hydrogen is the fuel of the future with immense potential to transform India’s transportation sector by reducing emissions and enhancing energy self-reliance. This initiative will help accelerate the transition to sustainable mobility in heavy-duty trucking and move us closer to a low-carbon future,” said Gadkari.
Minister Joshi also highlighted the role of hydrogen in India’s transition to a zero-carbon future. “The beginning of this trial is a significant step forward in showcasing the potential of green hydrogen to decarbonize India’s transportation sector. This initiative reflects our commitment to achieving energy independence and contributing to global climate goals,” said Joshi.
Tata Motors’ hydrogen-powered trucks include the Tata Prima H.55S prime movers, one powered by H2-ICE and the other by H2-FCEV. These trucks, designed for high performance, are capable of covering 300-500 km per charge. They also feature the premium Tata Prima cabin with advanced driver-assist safety features, enhancing comfort and productivity while setting new standards for safety in trucking.
Tata Motors Leading the Charge in Green Mobility
Girish Wagh, Executive Director of Tata Motors, expressed the company’s pride in pioneering hydrogen-powered transport solutions. “We are deeply honored to be at the forefront of driving India’s transformation toward greener, smarter, and sustainable mobility. Today, we are proud to contribute to this legacy by introducing clean, zero-emission energy solutions for long-haul transportation,” he said.
Tata Motors has long been committed to sustainable and innovative mobility solutions. The company offers a comprehensive range of alternative fuel-powered vehicles, including electric, CNG, LNG, and hydrogen-powered trucks, buses, and small commercial vehicles. The company has already deployed 15 Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) in India and continues to expand its portfolio of eco-friendly vehicles.
What’s Next for India’s Hydrogen Future?
As the trial progresses, Tata Motors aims to create the necessary infrastructure for hydrogen-powered vehicles to operate seamlessly across India’s freight corridors. This trial will provide valuable insights into the feasibility of hydrogen-powered transport and pave the way for the mass adoption of hydrogen vehicles in the country.
Tata Motors is determined to lead the way in green mobility, ensuring that India moves toward a future of sustainable transportation while reducing its carbon footprint. These hydrogen truck trials are a bold step in that direction, making Tata Motors an integral player in India’s green transition.
