Hydrogen Car in India: Clean Drive Ahead?

Posted on: Jun 18, 2025 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

Hydrogen Car in India: Clean Drive Ahead?

Introduction

Buying a new car today means choosing how you want to drive into the future. Among the latest innovations in India is the hydrogen-powered car, offering a cleaner, greener alternative to traditional fuels. In this article, we break down what hydrogen cars are, how they work, and the possibility of a hydrogen car in India.

Hydrogen Car in India

Hydrogen cars run on compressed hydrogen gas stored in a tank. Inside the fuel cell, hydrogen combines with oxygen from the air to create electricity. This electricity powers the car’s motor, and the only by-product is water, making the ride pollution-free. Unlike petrol or diesel cars, they don’t emit harmful gases, which can help improve air quality, especially in crowded cities.

• Current Progress in India

While hydrogen cars aren’t yet sold widely in India, several steps are underway. The government, along with companies like Toyota, is testing hydrogen vehicles on Indian roads. One example is the Toyota Mirai. Hyundai also plans to bring a hydrogen-powered SUV to India soon. These moves show growing interest but also signal that the technology is still in early stages here.

• Challenges Holding Back Hydrogen Cars

There are some big hurdles to overcome before hydrogen cars become common in India. One major issue is the lack of refuelling stations. India has very few compared to countries like Japan or China. Building this infrastructure will take time and investment. Another challenge is cost. Hydrogen cars and their fuel are expensive due to new technology and limited production, which may make them less affordable for many buyers.

• Car Insurance and Maintenance Costs

Because hydrogen cars use advanced tech, comprehensive car insurance will likely include a longer list of considerations and attached costs. Maintenance can also be expensive as the parts and repairs require specialised knowledge. This is important to consider when planning to switch to hydrogen vehicles.

• Advantages

Hydrogen cars offer longer driving ranges than many electric cars and can refuel much faster. This makes them appealing to people who drive long distances or need quick turnaround times. Plus, they produce no tailpipe pollution, which can help reduce air pollution in cities. With rising environmental concerns, hydrogen cars might soon become a popular green choice in India.

Conclusion

Hydrogen cars could play a key role in India’s shift toward cleaner transport. While still new and facing hurdles like cost and infrastructure, ongoing projects and upcoming launches show promise. With the right support, hydrogen cars in India may soon become a practical and green alternative to petrol and diesel vehicles.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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