MUMBAI, India – Tata Motors, the largest commercial vehicle manufacturer in India, has taken a significant step towards advancing cleaner and more sustainable mobility solutions in the country. The company proudly delivered the first-ever Hydrogen Fuel Cell powered (FCEV) buses to the Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOCL), India’s largest petroleum company. This move signals a new era of fully decarbonized public transportation in India. Further, setting the stage for a greener and more efficient future.
The Dignitaries
In a grand ceremony attended by esteemed dignitaries, including Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, Hon’ble Union Minister for Petroleum & Natural Gas and Housing & Urban Affairs, Shri Rameswar Teli, Union Minister of State for Petroleum & Natural Gas and Labour & Employment, and Shri Pankaj Jain, Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, Tata Motors marked the momentous occasion alongside IOCL executives, led by Shri S M Vaidya, Chairman, IOCL, and Dr. Umish Srivastva, Executive Director, IOCL. The event was also graced by the participation of Mr. Rajendra Petkar, President & Chief Technology Officer, Tata Motors, and delegates from the Government of India, Government of New Delhi, and Tata Motors.
Mr. Girish Wagh, Executive Director, Tata Motors, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “This achievement is a result of the forward-thinking policies of the Government. Further, IOCL’s commitment to future readiness, and Tata Motors’ research and development expertise. All converging to realize the shared vision of clean mobility in India. Delivering these FCEV buses to IOCL signifies a significant leap forward in our journey. Moreover, we are deeply appreciative of the trust and support from our partners. At Tata Motors, our focus has always been on nation-building. Additionally, we are at the forefront of global trends in sustainable, connected, and safer mobility in India. Today’s delivery heralds a new era in inter-city mass public transport, bringing us closer to the aspiration of sustainable mobility. With our proactive approach in developing and embracing cutting-edge technologies. We are crafting future-ready transportation solutions to cater to India’s mobility needs today and tomorrow.”
The Journey
The journey to this milestone began in June 2021 when Tata Motors secured a tender from IOCL to provide 15 FCEV buses. Further, aimed at evaluating the potential of hydrogen-based PEM fuel-cell technology in India. These buses are intended to be assessed for their suitability as a mass transport solution for both inter-city and intra-city commutes.
Manufactured at a specialized laboratory within Tata Motors’ world-class R&D center in Pune. These 12-meter-long buses are designed for easy boarding and disembarking with a low-floor design. Moreover, accommodating up to 35 passengers. Prior to delivery, these buses underwent rigorous road tests and validations. Especially, drawing from expertise and collaboration with renowned industry partners and research institutions. This collaborative effort focused on adapting advanced hydrogen-based proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell technology to the unique conditions of India and played a pivotal role in the development of these buses.
Technology
Highlighting the technological innovations incorporated into these next-generation FCEV buses. Further, Mr. Rajendra Petkar, President & Chief Technology Officer, Tata Motors, stated, “Tata Motors takes immense pride in delivering these state-of-the-art, technologically advanced, zero-emission fuel cell-powered buses to IOCL. This marks a significant moment for green mobility in India. Further, harnessing the tremendous potential of hydrogen. As an energy carrier and paving the way for a hydrogen economy in the transport sector.
These buses feature a 350-bar hydrogen storage system, a 70 Kw fuel cell stack, electronic braking system, stability control for enhanced safety and an intelligent transport system. Additionally, an new-generation telematics for efficient vehicle maintenance and tracking, and spacious interiors. This development underscores Tata Motors’ unwavering commitment to carbon neutrality. Under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), Tata Motors and IOCL will continue to advance the core technology related to PEM fuel cells in the future.”
Tata Motors, as India’s largest and most innovative commercial vehicle manufacturer. Moreover, they have consistently led the way in researching and developing innovative mobility solutions powered by alternative fuel technologies. Including battery-electric, CNG, LNG, hybrid, Hydrogen ICE, and Hydrogen Fuel Cell technologies.