Kerala’s First Hydrogen-Fuelled Bus to Hit the Roads Soon
Kerala’s first hydrogen-fuelled bus, powered by green hydrogen, is an EKA Mobility, BPCL, KPIT, and CIAL initiative, supported by the state’s first hydrogen plant at Nedumbassery airport.
In a major step towards sustainable transportation, Kerala’s first hydrogen-fuelled bus is set to hit the roads soon. The initiative, led by EKA Mobility, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL), KPIT Technologies, and Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL), aligns with India’s green energy goals.
The 9-meter, 30+ passenger hydrogen fuel cell bus will be deployed at CIAL as part of a Proof of Concept (PoC) project with a three-year operational life.
A prototype of the EKA hydrogen bus was unveiled at the Global Hydrogen & Renewable Energy Summit in Kochi on March 12-13. The vehicle will be powered by green hydrogen, a clean energy source produced using renewable electricity.
The state’s first green hydrogen plant and fuelling station is under construction at Nedumbassery airport, with 70% of the work completed. BPCL expects it to be operational within one to two months.
Also Read: This is the First Village in Kerala to Start Free Bus Service
Hydrogen Bus and Green Energy Infrastructure
Green Hydrogen Plant Nearing Completion
The ₹25 crore green hydrogen plant is being built near CIAL and will initially fuel the hydrogen bus. Under this collaboration:
- BPCL is overseeing technology, plant operation, and fuelling station setup.
- The hydrogen bus will either be used within the airport or for short-distance airport connectivity.
- It is powered by KPIT Ltd’s hydrogen fuel cells, and its registration process is underway.
Project Details
| Project Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Lead Organizations | EKA Mobility, KPIT Technologies & BPCL |
| Fuel Type | Green Hydrogen |
| Technology Partner | KPIT Ltd |
| Location | Nedumbassery Airport, Kerala |
| Investment | ₹25 Crore |
| Plant Completion | 1-2 Months |
CIAL’s Expansion into Green Energy
CIAL, already recognized as the world’s first fully solar-powered airport, is expanding its renewable energy portfolio. The airport currently has an installed capacity of 50 MW, including solar and hydropower projects.
As part of its green initiative, CIAL is collaborating with BPCL on:
- A 1,000 KW pilot project within the airport.
- A synthetic aviation fuel unit aimed at producing sustainable jet fuel to help decarbonize air travel.
What are Hydrogen Buses? Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology Explained
Kerala’s Role in India’s Hydrogen Mission
As part of the National Green Hydrogen Mission, the Indian government is launching five pilot projects for hydrogen-fuelled buses, trucks, and refuelling stations. Kerala has been selected for two trial routes:
- Thiruvananthapuram-Kochi
- Kochi–Edappally
These projects will be implemented over the next 18-24 months, paving the way for wider adoption of hydrogen-powered transport.
Also Read: List of Made in India Hydrogen Buses Empowering Sustainable Mobility
Key Highlights of Kerala’s Hydrogen Initiative
- Kerala’s first hydrogen-fuelled bus is a collaborative effort between EKA Mobility, KPIT Technologies, and BPCL.
- The 30+ passenger EKA hydrogen bus will operate at CIAL as part of a three-year PoC project.
- The state’s first green hydrogen plant is being set up at ₹25 crore, with BPCL managing its operations.
- The bus will operate within the airport or on short-distance routes.
- CIAL is expanding its renewable energy projects, including synthetic aviation fuel production.
- Kerala will be part of India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission, with two hydrogen bus trial routes.
Kerala’s first hydrogen-fuelled bus, powered by green hydrogen and developed through a partnership between EKA Mobility, KPIT Technologies, and BPCL, marks a significant step towards zero-emission mobility, with the state’s first hydrogen plant at Nedumbassery airport set to be operational soon.
