Tata Motors Launches First Hydrogen Truck Trials in India

Tata Motors, India’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, has taken a major step towards the nation’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2070 with the launch of its first trials of hydrogen-powered heavy-duty trucks.

This pioneering initiative underscores the increasing importance of electric and alternative fuel technologies in India’s automotive industry, representing a significant milestone for sustainable automotive manufacturing. 

Indian government backs truck trial

Tata Motors' trials of hydrogen-powered heavy-duty trucks mark a major step in advancing sustainable manufacturing within India’s commercial vehicle sector.

The trial was officially inaugurated by Shri Nitin Gadkari, Hon’ble Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways, and Shri Pralhad Joshi, Hon’ble Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy, with Tata Motors’ Executive Director Girish Wagh also in attendance alongside key government and industry representatives.

Funded by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, the project highlights the government’s commitment to accelerating green fuel adoption in manufacturing and logistics.

Tata Motors secured the tender to conduct the trial, which will evaluate the feasibility of hydrogen-powered vehicles for long-distance haulage.

This initiative not only advances clean energy integration in heavy vehicle production but also paves the way for the development of a robust hydrogen-powered transport ecosystem.

“Hydrogen is the fuel of the future with immense potential to transform India’s transportation sector by reducing emissions and enhancing energy self-reliance," says Shri Nitin Gadkari.

"Such Initiatives will accelerate the transition to sustainable mobility in heavy-duty trucking, and move us closer to an efficient, low-carbon future.

"I congratulate Tata Motors for taking the lead in this significant step towards enabling hydrogen-powered green and smart transportation.”

Shri Pralhad Joshi adds: “Hydrogen is an important fuel for India’s transition to a sustainable and zero-carbon future.

"The beginning of this trial is a significant step forward in showcasing the potential of green hydrogen in decarbonisng India’s transportation sector.

"This initiative, part of the National Green Hydrogen Mission, reflects our commitment to driving innovation and achieving India’s energy independence while contributing to global climate goals. I applaud Tata Motors for taking the lead in this pioneering effort.”

Driving sustainable automotive development

Over a 24-month period, Tata Motors will deploy 16 hydrogen-powered trucks in multiple configurations and payload capacities, evaluating their performance in real-world freight operations.

These vehicles will undergo rigorous testing on high-density logistics routes, including Mumbai, Pune, Delhi-NCR, Surat, Vadodara, Jamshedpur and Kalinganagar, where the adoption of electric and hydrogen-powered solutions will be closely assessed.

Tata Motors’ investment in hydrogen-powered trucks is a key element of its strategy to advance sustainable manufacturing and drive innovation in alternative fuel technologies within India’s commercial vehicle sector.

The trial will incorporate both Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine (H2-ICE) and Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (H2-FCEV) systems, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of their viability for large-scale industrial transport.

The trial includes two Tata Prima H.55S prime movers—one powered by a Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine (H2ICE) and the other by a Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV)—along with the Tata Prima H.28, an advanced H2ICE truck designed for heavy-duty applications.

With an operational range of 300 to 500 kilometres, these vehicles provide a sustainable and efficient alternative for long-haul freight transport.

Built with advanced manufacturing techniques, they integrate next-generation hydrogen propulsion systems while maintaining the durability and reliability required for industrial logistics.

Equipped with enhanced driver-assist safety features and the ergonomically designed Prima cabin, these trucks prioritise both operational efficiency and driver well-being.

The adoption of cutting-edge technology not only supports sustainability but also enhances performance, safety and cost-effectiveness in commercial vehicle manufacturing.

Tata Motors: Fuelling India's EV transformation

Tata Motors has long been a leader in advancing sustainable vehicle manufacturing and this trial reinforces its commitment to developing next-generation transport solutions.

With a strong portfolio of alternative-fuel vehicles, including battery electric, CNG, LNG, hydrogen internal combustion and hydrogen fuel cell technologies, the company is driving innovation in green mobility.

Its investment in hydrogen-powered trucks is part of a broader strategy to integrate cleaner propulsion systems into commercial vehicle production.

Alongside hydrogen technology, Tata Motors continues to make significant strides in EV manufacturing, further strengthening its position in the transition towards sustainable industrial transport.

Tata Motors has already integrated 15 hydrogen fuel cell electric buses into India’s public transport network, demonstrating the viability of zero-emission technology in large-scale operations.

The success of these deployments supports the expansion of EV infrastructure and accelerates the adoption of sustainable manufacturing practices within the automotive sector.

By trialling hydrogen-powered trucks, Tata Motors is advancing the development of next-generation propulsion systems while strengthening India’s efforts to reduce emissions and establish clean energy solutions.

This initiative plays a crucial role in transforming commercial vehicle production and shaping the future of sustainable transport.

“Tata Motors is deeply honoured to be at the forefront of driving India’s transformation towards greener, smarter and sustainable mobility," says Girish Wagh. "As a company with a long-standing commitment to nation-building, we have continuously embraced innovation to develop mobility solutions that contribute to India’s growth and development. 

"Today, with the commencement of these hydrogen truck trials, we are proud to further this legacy by pioneering the transition to clean, zero emission energy for long haul transportation.

"We are grateful to the Government of India for their visionary leadership in making this possible, and we remain committed to playing our part in building sustainable, future ready mobility solutions that will deliver better performance and efficiency.” 

Explore the latest edition of Manufacturing Digital and be part of the conversation at our global conference series, Manufacturing LIVE.

Sign up to our weekly newsletter here.

Discover all our upcoming events and secure your tickets today.

Manufacturing Digital is a BizClik brand.