The journey towards a greener future has taken a significant step forward with Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) and IndianOil Corporation Ltd. (IndianOil) signing a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to evaluate the mass viability of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles in India.

As part of this partnership, HMIL has handed over one unit of the Hyundai NEXO Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) to IndianOil. The NEXO, Hyundai’s flagship FCEV, will be put through rigorous real-world testing across Indian driving conditions over a span of two years, covering approximately 40,000 kilometers.

The trials will focus on assessing the performance of the Hyundai NEXO in various Indian driving conditions. A comprehensive analysis of the total cost of ownership will also be conducted, covering the costs of running and maintaining the vehicle over its lifespan. Hyundai NEXO, the flagship Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) of Hyundai, has been designed with zero-emission performance in mind. The vehicle is powered by a 95 kW hydrogen fuel cell system paired with a 40 kW battery, delivering a combined output of 135 kW (approx. 183 PS) and 395 Nm of torque. This allows the NEXO to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 9.2 seconds. With a full tank of hydrogen, the vehicle offers an impressive driving range of up to 666 km (WLTP cycle), and can be refueled in under 5 minutes.

“As India’s foremost smart mobility solutions provider, it is our firm resolve to innovate with future-ready technology. By signing a Memorandum of Understanding with Indian Oil Corporation, a pioneer in India’s energy sector, we aim to combine world-class Hydrogen fuel cell technology with Indian expertise. Together, we seek to unlock the potential of Green Hydrogen as a transformative energy source making it accessible, affordable, and sustainable. We are confident this collaboration will serve as a critical step in demonstrating the potential of hydrogen as an alternate sustainable fuel source in the times to come.”

“As India’s largest public-sector energy entity, we at IndianOil are proud to be catalysts in the Government of India’s vision to attain energy security and reduce fossil fuel imports. We believe Hydrogen fuel is a vital component of India’s clean energy roadmap, and fuel cell technology holds immense potential in significantly aiding net carbon neutrality. This collaboration with Hyundai Motor India will enable us to conduct in-depth studies in fuel cell technology and advance efforts towards realizing a greener mobility ecosystem.”

Hyundai’s NEXO is already a globally acclaimed hydrogen-powered SUV, and this Indian trial will further assess its adaptability to local conditions. The collaboration is part of Hyundai’s broader vision to offer a full spectrum of propulsion technologies, including ICE, CNG, Hybrid, Electric, and now Hydrogen.

Additionally, Hyundai is also working with the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM) to establish a cutting-edge Hydrogen Innovation Centre, which will provide infrastructure for startups and OEMs to test hydrogen components, thereby promoting innovation in this emerging sector. With this strategic move, HMIL and IndianOil are not only working to validate hydrogen as a viable fuel but are also laying the groundwork for a cleaner, self-reliant, and future-ready mobility ecosystem in India.

“Hydrogen is the future of transportation, and Hyundai is leading the charge. With our Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles, we are offering a cleaner, more sustainable alternative to traditional fossil fuels, and we invite other companies to join us on this journey towards a greener future.”

Driving India’s Hydrogen future will require a multifaceted approach, involving government policies, technological advancements, and industry collaborations. However, with the partnership between Hyundai and IndianOil, the stage is set for a significant shift towards a greener, more sustainable transportation sector in India.

Key Partnerships

• Indian Oil Corporation Ltd.