India is set to make a transformative leap in sustainable mobility, with plans to deploy over 1,000 hydrogen-powered buses and trucks by 2030. This ambitious initiative, part of the government’s National Green Hydrogen Mission, is designed to decarbonize the country’s long-haul transport sector, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and position India as a global leader in hydrogen technology.
The government has identified hydrogen as a practical and scalable solution for medium and heavy commercial vehicles, especially for long-distance freight and passenger transport. While battery electric vehicles are increasingly used for last-mile delivery, they face limitations in range and payload for long-haul operations. Hydrogen-powered vehicles, with their high energy density and faster refueling times, offer a compelling alternative to diesel trucks and buses, preserving cargo space and maximizing operational efficiency.
By the end of 2025, India expects to have at least 50 hydrogen-powered trucks and buses operational, with numbers ramping up each year as technology and infrastructure mature. More than 1,000 hydrogen commercial vehicles are expected to ply Indian roads by 2030, serving key logistics corridors and urban routes.
Multiple pilot projects are already underway, deploying hydrogen fuel cell and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles across routes like Delhi-Agra, Pune-Mumbai, Ahmedabad-Surat, and others. These pilots will test real-world performance and help optimize refueling logistics.
India’s hydrogen mobility push is being driven by a mix of fuel cell and hydrogen-ICE technologies. Leading manufacturers such as Tata Motors, Ashok Leyland, Olectra Greentech, and Reliance Industries are actively developing and testing hydrogen-powered commercial vehicles. Ashok Leyland, in partnership with Reliance, has already deployed hydrogen-ICE trucks, while Tata Motors is piloting both hydrogen fuel cell buses and trucks.
Hydrogen-ICE vehicles are expected to see faster adoption due to their compatibility with India’s existing manufacturing and service infrastructure, while fuel cell vehicles are being piloted for long-term, zero-emission solutions.
Launched in 2023 with a budget of ₹19,744 crore, the mission aims for at least 5 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA) of green hydrogen production and 60–100 GW of electrolyser capacity by 2030.Nine hydrogen refueling stations are being set up across key transport routes as part of early pilot projects, with more planned as adoption scales.
The initiative brings together government agencies, public sector giants like NTPC and Indian Oil, and private industry leaders to accelerate R&D, manufacturing, and deployment.
India’s hydrogen mobility ambitions align with global trends in Asia, Europe, and North America, where hydrogen is being adopted for heavy-duty vehicles, rail, and maritime transport. The shift is expected to significantly reduce carbon emissions from one of the most polluting segments of India’s transport sector, supporting national and international climate goals.