Hyundai and IndianOil Launch Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle Trial in India!

Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL) and Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IndianOil) have embarked on a groundbreaking partnership to explore the potential of hydrogen fuel cell technology within India’s mobility sector. On April 22, 2025, the two companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to initiate a two-year pilot program featuring Hyundai’s NEXO Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV). This collaboration marks a significant step towards sustainable mobility and cleaner energy solutions in India.

As part of the agreement, Hyundai has handed over the NEXO FCEV to IndianOil for field testing. Over the course of the two-year pilot program, the vehicle will be evaluated under real-world driving conditions, covering a total distance of approximately 40,000 kilometers. The program is designed to assess the vehicle’s performance, efficiency, and practicality, including a detailed analysis of total ownership costs such as service and maintenance. The goal is to understand the long-term viability and benefits of hydrogen-powered vehicles in India, focusing on the operational and economic aspects of adoption.

Unsoo Kim, Managing Director of Hyundai Motor India, emphasized the significance of this collaboration, stating, “Through this partnership with IndianOil, we’re combining advanced hydrogen fuel cell technology with India’s growing energy expertise. We aim to demonstrate the potential of green hydrogen in shaping the future of sustainable mobility.” This initiative also aligns with Hyundai’s broader commitment to leading the charge for sustainable transportation solutions, as the company works towards advancing various vehicle propulsion technologies, including hydrogen-powered solutions.

The timing of this collaboration is particularly relevant as India ramps up its efforts to adopt cleaner fuel alternatives. Hydrogen fuel cells are viewed as a key technology for India’s future clean energy goals, providing a zero-emission alternative to traditional fuel-powered vehicles. Dr. Alok Sharma, Director of Research and Development and Board Member at IndianOil, highlighted the role hydrogen plays in the country’s energy transition, stating, “This partnership with Hyundai will allow us to deepen our understanding of fuel cell technology and support the country’s transition to cleaner transportation solutions.”

India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission, part of the country’s broader push for energy sustainability, is an ambitious program designed to establish India as a global leader in the green hydrogen space. This mission seeks to reduce reliance on traditional fossil fuels and explore alternative energy solutions that can minimize the environmental footprint, driving the transition to a low-emission economy.

Hyundai, with its extensive experience in various vehicle propulsion systems, including internal combustion engines, hybrid technologies, and electric vehicles, is now turning its focus toward hydrogen technology. Hyundai’s NEXO, one of the leading hydrogen-powered vehicles globally, will serve as a key component in the partnership. The company is also collaborating with the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) to establish a Hydrogen Innovation Centre, which will focus on testing and validating components necessary for developing green hydrogen systems for use in India and globally.

IndianOil, as India’s largest oil and gas company, is also pivoting towards renewable energy solutions, actively investing in cleaner fuels to support the country’s energy transition. Its focus on expanding renewable energy offerings, including hydrogen, aligns with India’s long-term sustainability goals and reflects the company’s commitment to reducing environmental impact while contributing to the global shift to low-emission energy sources.

This strategic partnership between Hyundai and IndianOil is a significant milestone in the journey toward green hydrogen adoption in India. With both companies bringing complementary expertise to the table—Hyundai’s advanced hydrogen technology and IndianOil’s strong market presence and energy infrastructure—the collaboration is poised to pave the way for a cleaner, more sustainable mobility future in India. By working together, Hyundai and IndianOil aim to build a robust hydrogen ecosystem in India, supporting the country’s ambitious clean energy and transportation goals.

As the pilot program unfolds, it will offer invaluable insights into the viability of hydrogen-powered vehicles and help shape the future of India’s mobility sector. Through such collaborations, both companies are playing a crucial role in driving the shift toward sustainable and efficient energy solutions, demonstrating that hydrogen fuel cell technology holds great promise for the future of transportation in India and beyond.