Hydrogen Cars in India: Expected Date & Overview

The automotive industry in India is at a crossroads. As the number of automobile users is increasing exponentially, so is the need for energy-efficient cars. The world today is dealing with major challenges of climate change, high fuel prices and environmental degradation. The need for cleaner and more sustainable transportation solutions has never been more critical.

After Electric Vehicles (EVs), Hydrogen cars have emerged as a promising alternative to traditional petrol and diesel-powered vehicles. In this comprehensive exploration, we will delve into the world of hydrogen cars in India, examining their current status, potential advantages, challenges, and the road ahead.

What are Hydrogen fuel cars?

A hydrogen fuel car, also known as a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle (FCV), is an automobile that uses hydrogen gas as its primary fuel source. Hydrogen stored as energy is used to generate electricity through a chemical process in a fuel cell, which then powers an electric motor to run the vehicle. In these green hydrogen cars, the only byproducts released in the environment are water vapour and warm air. They are known to be more efficient and powerful compared to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. 

Using new and improved technologies to make green hydrogen from clean energy sources and plant materials will help India have clean and affordable energy in the future. 

Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles offer several advantages, including fast refuelling times (comparable to a normal gasoline vehicle), longer driving ranges compared to many current electric vehicles in the market, and the potential to use renewable hydrogen sources for zero-emission driving.

However, there are also a few challenges associated with hydrogen fuel cars, including the production, transportation, and storage of hydrogen, as well as the limited availability of hydrogen refuelling infrastructure for hydrogen vehicles in India.

Why consider Hydrogen as a Clean Energy Source?

Hydrogen, the most abundant element in the universe, has been hailed as the fuel of the future. It is a versatile and clean energy carrier that can be produced through various methods, such as electrolysis and steam methane reforming. Unlike fossil fuels, burning hydrogen generates only water vapour as a byproduct, making it a zero-emission energy source. This characteristic makes hydrogen an attractive option for addressing India's growing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

Green hydrogen, produced through renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and hydropower, is gaining traction worldwide. India, with its vast renewable energy potential, is uniquely positioned to become a global leader in green hydrogen production. The production of green hydrogen aligns with the country's ambitious renewable energy targets and can contribute significantly to reducing carbon emissions.

How does a green hydrogen car work?

Here's the basic understanding of how a green hydrogen car typically works:

• Hydrogen Fuel Storage: Hydrogen gas (H2) is stored in high-pressure tanks in the vehicle. These tanks are specially designed to store hydrogen safely.

• Fuel Cell Stack: The hydrogen is fed into a fuel cell stack, which consists of multiple individual fuel cells. Each fuel cell contains an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte membrane.

• Hydrogen Oxidation: At the anode, hydrogen gas is introduced, and it splits into protons (H+) and electrons (e-). The protons pass through the electrolyte membrane, while the electrons are forced to follow an external circuit, creating an electrical current.

• Oxygen Reduction: Oxygen from the air is introduced at the cathode, and it combines with the protons and electrons that have travelled through the external circuit to form water (H2O).

• Electricity Generation: The movement of electrons through the external circuit generates electricity, which powers an electric motor. This electric motor drives the vehicle's wheels, providing propulsion.

• Water Vapour Emission: The only byproduct of this process is water vapour (H2O), which is released from the vehicle's tailpipe as "exhaust." This makes hydrogen fuel cell vehicles emissions-free at the tailpipe, with water being the only emission.

Advantages of Hydrogen Cars in India

Here is a list of benefits of Hydrogen vehicles in India: 

1. Zero Emissions

One of the most significant advantages of hydrogen cars is their minimal environmental impact. With zero tailpipe emissions, hydrogen cars contribute to improving air quality and reducing India's carbon footprint, especially in congested urban areas.

2. Longer Range

Hydrogen cars typically offer longer driving ranges on a single full talk compared to electric vehicles (EVs). This feature is crucial in a country as vast as India, where long-distance travel is common, and charging infrastructure is still developing.

3. Better Performance

Hydrogen fuel cell cars offer excellent performance, providing full power even at low speeds.

4. Quiet Operation

Unlike traditional cars with internal combustion engines, Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) operate quietly, similar to electric cars. So green hydrogen cars are not only good for reducing environmental pollution but also noise pollution. 

5. Fast Refuelling

Hydrogen refuelling stations can fill a hydrogen tank in a matter of minutes, similar to the time it takes to refuel a gasoline or diesel vehicle. This quick refuelling time addresses one of the key concerns associated with EVs – lengthy charging periods.

6. Consistent Range

Unlike Electric Vehicles, the driving efficiency of hydrogen cars remains consistent regardless of the outside temperature. In an electric car, the efficiency drastically falls when it's used in cold weather conditions. 

7. Versatility

Hydrogen can be used in various modes of transportation, from cars and buses to trucks and trains. This versatility makes hydrogen an attractive option for India's diverse transportation needs.

Challenges Faced by Hydrogen Cars in India

Here is a list of drawbacks of Hydrogen vehicles in India:

1. Infrastructure Development

hydrogen fuel technology is still in its early stages. Establishing a network of hydrogen refuelling stations is a significant challenge. Currently, India has only a handful of such stations, primarily located in a few cities. Expanding this infrastructure to cover the entire country is essential for the widespread adoption of hydrogen cars. 

2. Reduced Cabin Space

Hydrogen fuel cars often sacrifice cabin space to accommodate the hydrogen fuel tank. It reduces the car space and is especially noticeable in smaller car models.

3. High Production and Car Costs

Hydrogen fuel cell technology is expensive to produce and maintain. This makes Hydrogen cars in India more expensive than electric vehicles. The high initial costs of manufacturing hydrogen fuel cell vehicles pose a barrier to their mass-market adoption. Reducing production costs through innovation and economies of scale is a critical challenge we face today. 

4. Carbon Footprints in Hydrogen Production

The process of producing, storing, and transporting hydrogen involves energy at various stages. This reduces hydrogen cars' green benefits. Hydrogen cars must address these energy challenges to compete with electric vehicles, which are steadily improving in terms of energy efficiency.

5. Safety Concerns

Hydrogen is highly flammable and requires special safety precautions in production, storage, and transportation. Addressing safety concerns and building public confidence in hydrogen technology is vital for its acceptance in India.

6. Higher Operating Costs

Running a hydrogen-powered car tends to be more expensive than operating an electric vehicle because hydrogen fuel typically costs more than electricity. However, this cost dynamic may change as hydrogen demand increases and production scales up.

The Hydrogen Car Landscape in India

Initial research 

India's foray into hydrogen-powered vehicles began with experimental projects and prototypes in the early 2000s. The Tata Group and Mahindra & Mahindra were among the first Indian companies to explore hydrogen fuel cell technology. While these early initiatives were limited in scope, they laid the groundwork for future developments.

Government Initiatives to develop Hydrogen cars in India 

Recognising the potential of hydrogen as a clean energy source, the Indian government has taken several steps to promote hydrogen-based transportation. The National Hydrogen Energy Mission (NHEM), launched in 2021, aims to facilitate the development and deployment of hydrogen technologies across various sectors, including transportation.

The government is conducting feasibility studies to check the potential of fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) in India. The current transport minister of India, Mr. Nitin Gadkari, has been actively advocating for hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). He has even adopted a Toyota Mirai pilot study car as his daily mode of transportation.

Current Status 

Hydrogen fuel cell technology for vehicles is still in its early stages in India. It still requires a lot of research and development before it becomes a preferred car by users. Hydrogen fuel cell technology is emerging as a significant alternative to electric vehicles. In India, it is now being given serious consideration as a green mobility solution, particularly for larger vehicles designed for extended journeys. 

Several Indian and international automotive companies have shown interest in hydrogen cars. Tata Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra, and Ashok Leyland have announced plans to develop hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Additionally, collaborations with foreign manufacturers, such as Toyota and Hyundai, have paved the way for the introduction of hydrogen-powered cars in the Indian market.

Upcoming Hydrogen cars in India

Currently, there are no hydrogen cars for sale in the Indian car market. However, several car manufacturers have expressed their plans to bring such vehicles to the Indian market. It will be intriguing to observe how hydrogen car prices in India stack up against those of electric cars. The most talked about hydrogen car in India Toyota Mirai, is expected to cost INR 60 Lacks. 

The International Centre for Automotive Technology (iCAT), an Indian governmental automotive testing agency, has recently forged a memorandum of understanding with Toyota. Their collaboration aims to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the second-generation Mirai, a fuel-cell electric vehicle (FCEV). This initiative entails thorough testing of the Mirai to ascertain its performance under Indian conditions, encompassing climate and road conditions.

Hydrogen fuel cars versus Electric Cars

Hydrogen fuel cell cars and electric cars are two distinct types of zero-emission vehicles. Here's a comparison of hydrogen fuel cell cars and electric cars:

1. Fuel Type: As the name suggests, Hydrogen fuel cell cars use hydrogen gas as their fuel source, while Electric cars run on electricity stored in batteries. 

2. Power Source: Hydrogen cars generate electricity by combining hydrogen with oxygen in a fuel cell. While an EV needs to be charged by plugging into electrical outlets or charging stations.

3. Refueling: Hydrogen is refilled within a few minutes, which is way lower compared to recharging electric vehicle (EV) batteries which can take hours. 

4. Energy Storage: Hydrogen cars have a fuel tank, while electric car uses batteries. 

5. Range: Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are known to offer longer driving ranges than most battery-electric vehicles.

6. Cost of the vehicle: Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are more expensive to manufacture and purchase than electric cars.

7. Energy Efficiency: The process of production, transportation, and conversion into electricity in a hydrogen car uses a lot of energy, compared to direct electricity generation in electric vehicles

8. Limited Infrastructure and refusing stations: Hydrogen refuelling infrastructure is not as widespread as electric charging stations, making it challenging to find refuelling stations in many areas.

The Way Ahead for Hydrogen Cars in India

• Government Support

Continued government support through policy incentives, research grants, and regulatory frameworks is crucial for the growth of the hydrogen car industry in India. Encouraging public-private partnerships and international collaborations can accelerate progress.

• Investment in Research and Development

Investment in R&D is essential for improving the efficiency and reducing the production costs of hydrogen fuel cell technology. Indian institutions and industries should actively participate in research efforts to develop indigenous solutions.

• Expansion of Infrastructure

Expanding the hydrogen refuelling infrastructure should be a top priority. A well-planned network of refuelling stations along highways and in major cities will encourage consumers to adopt hydrogen cars with confidence.

• Public Awareness and Education

Educating the public about the benefits and safety aspects of hydrogen cars is vital. Awareness campaigns can dispel myths and misconceptions and create a positive perception of hydrogen as a clean and viable energy source.

• Collaboration with International Partners

Collaboration with international manufacturers and organisations can help leverage global expertise and technologies to accelerate the development and adoption of hydrogen cars in India.

Conclusion

Hydrogen cars have a lot of promise in India for cleaner and more eco-friendly transportation. India has lots of clean energy like solar and wind power, and people are worried about pollution. So, India can use hydrogen cars which are good for the environment.

But, there are some problems like not enough places to fill up with hydrogen, the cars cost a lot, and safety worries. If the government helps, companies invest, and other countries work together, hydrogen cars can make India's cars better for the planet. It's not going to be easy, but using hydrogen for clean and efficient cars is a great idea that we shouldn't ignore. Last but not least, irrespective of the fuel type, every motor vehicle in India needs to have a third-party bike or car insurance to abide by the law of the land. Explore ACKO for all your motor insurance needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some of the frequently asked questions on Hydrogen Cars in India

Are hydrogen cars available in India?

Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are still in the early stages of development and adoption in India. Cars are still not available for consumers to purchase. 

Which car runs on hydrogen in India?

In India, Hydrogen cars are primarily in the testing and pilot project phases. Toyota is one of the companies that has been actively involved in hydrogen fuel cell vehicle trials in India, particularly with their Mirai model.

How much does a hydrogen car cost in India?

Even though Hydrogen cars are yet to be available for sale in India, they are estimated to cost over INR 60 lakhs. 

Why is hydrogen fuel not used in India?

Hydrogen fuel faces limited adoption in India due to challenges like insufficient infrastructure, high production costs, and safety concerns. Additionally, battery electric vehicles have dominated the clean energy market.