New Delhi: Union Minister for New & Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi launched the pilot project for field trials on the use of hydrogen in the mobility sector, calling it a significant milestone in India’s clean energy pathway.
The initiative aims to advance the country’s efforts in hydrogen-based transport solutions and accelerate progress under the National Green Hydrogen Mission.
Toyota Mirai FCEV Handed Over to NISE for Testing
As part of the launch, Toyota’s Mirai hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) was handed over to the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) for real-world field testing.
Under the MoU, NISE will carry out a detailed assessment of the Mirai across India’s diverse road and climatic conditions, including high temperatures, dust, traffic congestion, and varied terrain. The minister noted that the two-year testing phase will generate essential data required to scale hydrogen mobility nationwide while also building technical capacity and awareness among policymakers, academia, and industry.
He highlighted that hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are silent, clean, and emission-free, releasing only water, and are increasingly being adopted for cars, buses, trucks, trains, ships, and stationary power systems across the world.
Green Hydrogen Positioned as the Future of Energy
The minister emphasised that green hydrogen is emerging as the backbone of future energy systems globally. He stated that collaborations such as this one bring industry expertise, innovation, and scientific depth to India’s clean mobility ambitions. According to him, the project strengthens the nation’s goal of ‘Energy Aatma Nirbharta,’ promotes low-emission mobility solutions, and aligns with India’s Panchamrit climate commitments.
Industry Reaffirms Commitment to Hydrogen Mobility
Vikram Gulati, Country Head and Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs and Governance, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, stated that its partnership with NISE and the handover of the Mirai underline the company’s commitment to supporting India’s Green Hydrogen Mission and the shift toward mobility powered by green, indigenous energy sources. The company acknowledged hydrogen fuel-cell technology as a critical element in helping India meet its net-zero and energy independence goals.
