Calling the introduction of hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) a transformative step in shaping India's clean future, new and renewable energy minister Pralhad Joshi on 11th December launched a pilot project to use hydrogen in the mobility sector.

At an event where the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) and Toyota Kirloskar Motor signed an MoU for field trials, Joshi said the initiative marked a significant milestone in India's clean energy and green mobility efforts.

He later travelled in a hydrogen fuel cell electric car - the Mirai - manufactured by Toyota, to Parliament to demonstrate advanced hydrogen mobility. Green hydrogen, he noted, is emerging globally as the backbone of future energy systems.

On social media, Joshi stated: "Drove the Toyota Mirai, powered by hydrogen, to Parliament today. The ride was incredibly smooth, silent and comfortable, and with zero emissions, this vehicle demonstrates the transformative potential of hydrogen mobility in shaping India's clean future."

He further added that the collaboration brought together innovation, industry expertise and scientific rigour to advance India's clean energy transition. He said: "Such collaborations advance innovative low-emission mobility, strengthen 'energy atmanirbharta' (energy self-dependence), and align with India's 'panchamrit' (five nectars) climate goals. The government remains confident that green hydrogen will drive India's energy economy in the years ahead."

Under the MoU, NISE will conduct an extensive assessment of the FCEV Mirai across India's diverse road conditions - including heat, dust, traffic congestion and varied terrain.

Joshi said the two-year testing phase will generate critical insights to scale up hydrogen mobility nationwide and build awareness, confidence and technical capability among industry, academia and policymakers.

Describing the technology as well suited for India, the minister said hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are clean, silent and emission-free, emitting only water, and that such technologies are increasingly powering cars, buses, trucks, trains, ships and stationary power systems worldwide.