List of Made in India Hydrogen Buses Empowering Sustainable Mobility
Over the last few years, the quest for clean transportation solutions has led to the rise of hydrogen fuel cell electric buses (FCEBs). These innovative vehicles utilize hydrogen as fuel, generating electricity through an electrochemical reaction.
The only emission from this process is clean water vapor, making FCEBs a desirable option for reducing emissions in the transportation sector.
India is recognizing the potential of hydrogen FCEBs for sustainable public transport. The government’s focus on green hydrogen production, coupled with ongoing pilot projects and growing industry involvement, signals a promising future for hydrogen buses in India.
The Indian government is currently conducting trials and pilot projects with hydrogen buses in cities like Delhi and Chandigarh.
The Indian government has shown strong support for hydrogen fuel cell technology. Policies and subsidies are being drafted to encourage the development and adoption of hydrogen buses.
This article delves deeper into the current state of this technology and the hydrogen fuel cell buses manufactured in India as of 2024.
List of Hydrogen Buses in India
| OEM | Launch Date | Range |
|---|---|---|
| Sentient Labs | December 2021 | 450 km |
| Olectra Greentech | February 2023 | 400 km |
| Bharat Benz | July 2023 | 400 km |
| Ashok Leyland | August 2023 | 250 km |
Celesta Hydrogen Bus Developed by Sentient Labs
In December 2021, Sentient Labs, an innovation lab incubated under KPIT Technologies, joined forces with CSIR, NCL, and CSIR-CECRI to unveil India’s first hydrogen bus in December 2021.
The 9-meter air-conditioned bus, boasting 32 seats, is powered by domestically developed hydrogen fuel cell technology, allowing it to cover an impressive range of approximately 450 km with just 30 kgs of hydrogen.
Sentient Labs, driven by a vision to revolutionize the mobility sector with sustainable solutions, has focused its efforts on hydrogen-powered technologies.
Alongside the hydrogen fuel cell technology, the lab has meticulously engineered other vital components such as the Balance of Plant, Powertrain, and Battery pack, all of which have been integrated into the bus’s design.
This modular architecture ensures adaptability to varying range requirements and operating conditions, further enhancing the bus’s efficiency and performance.
Olectra Greentech Low-Floor Hydrogen Bus
In February 2023, Olectra Greentech Ltd., a subsidiary of Megha Engineering and Infrastructures Ltd (MEIL), unveiled its hydrogen bus in India in technical collaboration with Reliance.
This 12-meter low-floor bus offers customizable seating for 32 to 49 passengers, in addition to the driver’s seat.
With a remarkable range of up to 400 km on a single hydrogen fill, achieved in just 15 minutes, it sets a new standard for sustainable public transportation.
Equipped with Type-4 hydrogen cylinders mounted on the roof, capable of withstanding temperatures ranging from -20 to +85 degrees Celsius, these buses ensure both safety and efficiency in operation.
Despite Olectra’s announcement during the launch, indicating their preparations to commercially launch these environmentally friendly buses within the next year, as of May 2024, there have been no further developments on this front.
Also Read: Hydrogen Fuel Cell Buses Explained
Bharat Benz Luxury Inter-City Hydrogen Bus
In July 2023, Bharat Benz and Reliance Industries joined forces to introduce India’s premier intercity concept coach powered by Hydrogen Fuel Cell technology.
It was the first luxury hydrogen bus in India and was unveiled during the 4th Energy Transitions Working Group meeting in Goa from July 19th to 22nd, 2023.
Featuring a Gross system power of 127 kW and a Net power of 105 kW, equivalent to 296 bhp, this luxury hydrogen fuel cell bus set a new benchmark for performance in intercity travel.
Impressively, it boasts a range of up to 400 km on a single hydrogen fill, demonstrating remarkable efficiency and sustainability in long-distance journeys.
Also Read: The 10 Best Made in India Electric Buses In India With Range
Ashok Leyland Hydrogen Bus
In August 2023, NTPC Limited, a prominent Maharatna PSU under the Ministry of Power, initiated trials of hydrogen buses in the picturesque terrain of Leh.
Manufactured by Ashok Leyland, these buses represent the company’s first foray into hydrogen-electric passenger transportation, specifically designed for premium intercity travel with air-conditioned coaches.
Measuring 9 meters in length, Ashok Leyland’s hydrogen fuel cell bus is equipped with an 80 kW fuel cell system, complemented by a 71 kWh battery pack.
Hydrogen is stored in three Type 4 high-pressure cylinders, each with a capacity of 350 liters and a storage pressure of 350 bar. This stored fuel powers the 80 kW fuel cell system, which in turn generates electricity to charge the 71 kWh lithium-ion battery pack composed of NMC chemistry cells.
With this robust powertrain and energy storage configuration, the bus boasts a commendable driving range of 250 kilometers even with the use of air conditioning. The electric motor propelling the hydrogen bus delivers a maximum power of 160 hp (120 kW) and a maximum torque of 409 Nm.
Ashok Leyland announced the delivery of ten hydrogen fuel cell buses to NTPC, slated for deployment in operations across Leh and Ladakh.
In February 2024, Ashok Leyland announced that going forward it is going to concentrate on Hydrogen fuel cell technology for its range of heavy commercial vehicles.
Tata Motors Hydrogen Bus
In September 2023, Tata Motors launched its first hydrogen bus in India.
In June 2021, Tata Motors secured a tender from IOCL to supply 15 FCEV buses to evaluate the potential of hydrogen-based PEM fuel-cell technology in India.
Manufactured at Tata Motors’ dedicated lab within its state-of-the-art R&D center in Pune, these 12-meter buses boast a low-floor design for easy accessibility, accommodating up to 35 passengers. Following rigorous road tests and validations, the buses were delivered to IOCL.
Equipped with regenerative braking and an Intelligent Transport System (ITS), these buses offer an impressive range of up to 200 km on a single fill.
These hydrogen buses were launched in Delhi on September 23, 2023 by Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri.
Additionally, in December 2023, Tata Motors obtained the CMVR Type Approval certificate for its range of hydrogen buses from ARAI, further validating its commitment to advancing sustainable mobility solutions.
Also Read: Vijayanand Travels Orders 100 Volvo 9600 Buses
Wrapping it Up
Hydrogen fuel cell technology is one of the most sophisticated technologies to have emerged in the commercial vehicle segment.
Its benefits are more pronounced in the passenger mobility segment. With extended range and shorter refueling times compared to battery-powered vehicles, hydrogen fuel technology emerges as a game-changer, especially for the bus industry, where long-distance travel within strict timelines is the norm.
Very good post, however in wrap up summary you have mentioned Hydrogen Fuel cell technology utilises Hydrogen as fuel in modified internal combustion gas engine which is not correct. Hydrogen can be used as fuel in vehicles using 2 different technologies, one is internal combustion engineering and other is fuel Cell electric vehicle. Both are entirely different technology