Hydrogen cars in India FAQ

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What is the scope of hydrogen cars in India?

The hydrogen fuel cell is an infant technology compared to electric vehicles technology, fuel cell vehicles have a long road ahead. Currently, there are no hydrogen fuel cell cars on sale in India. However, several car manufacturers have shown their intent to introduce such vehicles in India. It will be interesting to see hydrogen car prices in India compared to electric cars.

What is the Indian Policy on hydrogen-powered vehicle?

At the 3rd Re-inVest Conference, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced plans to launch a comprehensive National Hydrogen Energy Mission.

In the Union Budget (2021-22), Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also proposed launching a Hydrogen Energy Mission to generate hydrogen from green power sources in 2021-22.

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy also announced a 13-point Green Hydrogen Policy in which details of several incentives and ways to manufacture green hydrogen were included.

So, We can conclude that the advantages of hydrogen fuel cells as one of the best renewable energy sources are noticeable. As hydrogen fuel cells also offer a fully renewable and clean power source for stationary and mobile applications in the coming future.

What do you mean by Hydrogen fuel cell vehicle?

Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are similar to electric cars. Both use an electric motor for propulsion instead of an internal combustion engine. But the similarities end there because an EV needs an external power source to recharge the battery. In contrast, a hydrogen-powered vehicle can generate electricity onboard with the help of a fuel cell.

How does the hydrogen fuel cell work?

At the heart of the fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV) is a device that uses a source of fuel, such as hydrogen, and an oxidant to create electricity by an electrochemical process. Put simply, the fuel cell combines hydrogen and oxygen to generate an electric current, water being the only byproduct. Like conventional batteries under the bonnets of automobiles, hydrogen fuel cells too convert chemical energy into electrical energy. From a long-term viability perspective, FCEVs are billed as vehicles of the future, given that hydrogen is the most abundant resource in the universe.

How to refuel the hydrogen fuel cell cars?

Hydrogen fuel cell cars can be refilled with hydrogen gas in any nearest gas station, and it takes the same process as refilling with petrol or diesel. The refueling takes the same time, i.e. 4-5 minutes.

Is a hydrogen fuel car safe to drive?

Fuel cell cars are safer to drive. Hydrogen fuel cell cars in India are available from Toyota and Hyundai. The durability of cars in extreme climates has been tested and still undergoing further tests in India. Hydrogen as a fuel is clean and safe as it makes up 70% of the matter in the universe.

What is the cost of green hydrogen production cost in India?

Green Hydrogen production cost in India is Rupees 500 per kg in India.

Are hydrogen cars better than electric cars?

In the current scenario, electric cars are better in terms of infrastructure, practicality and running costs. However, a hydrogen car delivers a better driving range when compared to EVs. But they are not feasible with no proper infrastructure.

Do hydrogen fuel cells wear out over time?

No, hydrogen fuel cells do not wear over time. As long as there is a fuel supply, a fuel cell continues to produce electricity.

What are hydrogen fuel cells capable of powering?

Fuel cells can be used as a backup for power source and charge any portative system that requires battery charge. It can be used to power vehicles and be an important alternative for petroleum in the future.

What are the advantages of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles?

Here are some of the pros of hydrogen FCEVs:

• Hydrogen fuel cell cars deliver excellent performance with full torque available at low speeds.

• With no internal combustion engine, an FCEV is quiet in operation. It’s an experience similar to an electric car.

• Another main advantage of a fuel cell vehicle is the quick refuelling time. One can refuel hydrogen in a matter of a few minutes.

• Hydrogen-powered cars deliver a longer driving range than electric vehicles.

• The driving range does not depend on the atmospheric temperature. Hence, the driving range does not reduce in cold temperatures.

• A hydrogen fuel car produces zero carbon emissions as the only exhaust produced is water.

Which are the upcoming hydrogen cars in India?

Currently, there are not many hydrogen fuel cell vehicles on sale, even in the global market. Manufacturers such as Hyundai, Toyota and Honda sell fuel cell cars globally.

Coming to the Indian market, Hyundai Nexo is the only upcoming hydrogen car in the country. It may carry an estimated price tag of Rs. 65 lakhs, ex-showroom.

What are the challenges in the adoption of an FCEV?

One of the main challenges faced by FCEVs today is the high cost involved in the production of hydrogen, fuel-cell stacks and establishment of hydrogen fuel stations. The costs involved in the same only go down with technological development along with wider adoption, as is the case with most of the new technologies. To put things in perspective, in India, we currently do not have a single hydrogen fuel station. On the contrary, countries such as Japan, China, United States of America, Korea and some European countries have started to warm up to the idea of a hydrogen-based society.

What is the progress occur in hydrogen powered vehicle in India?

In India, so far, the definition of EV only covers BEVs; the government has lowered taxes to 12%. At 43%, hybrid electric vehicles and hydrogen FCEVs attract the same tax as IC vehicles.

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, under its Research, Development and Demonstration (RD&D) programme, has been supporting various such projects in academic institutions, research and development organisations and industry for development. Fourteen RD&D projects on hydrogen and fuel cells are currently under implementation with the support of the Ministry. Between 2016-17 and 2018-19, eight projects were sanctioned and 18 completed.

The Ministry of Science and Technology has supported two networked centres on hydrogen storage led by IIT Bombay and Nonferrous Materials Technology Development Centre, Hyderabad. These involve 10 institutions, including IITs, and IISc, Bangalore.

What is the latest update on hydrogen fuel car in India?

Union Ministry for Road Transport and Highway had inaugurated a first of its kind pilot project for Hydrogen-based advanced Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) that will be a huge shift from fossil fuel and towards the conservation of our environment.

He was also seen reaching parliament in his hydrogen-powered car Toyota Mirai making a statement that hydrogen is the future of fuel. “To become 'Atmanirbhar', we've introduced green hydrogen which is generated from water. This car is a pilot project. Now, the manufacturing of green hydrogen will begin in the country. Imports will be curbed and new employment opportunities will be created.