First hydrogen-powered truck of the country starts in Chhattisgarh; Know its features

For the first time ever in India, a hydrogen fuel-based truck has been employed within the industry, and it has been launched in Chhattisgarh. This special truck was flagged off by the Adani Group recently in front of the Chief Minister of the state, Shivnudev Sai. This truck will transport coal from Chhattisgarh's 'Gare Palma-III' coal block to the state's power plant.

This hydrogen-powered truck can travel approximately 200 km on a full tank and is fitted with three hydrogen tanks. It is as capable as diesel-run heavy trucks when it comes to lifting loads and travelling distances. They can carry up to 40 tonnes of materials. It only differs in the fact that it runs on green technology, which makes pollution nearly zero.

Whereas traditional diesel trucks produce carbon dioxide and toxic gases, this hydrogen fuel cell truck produces only water vapor and hot air. This makes it one of the cleanest solutions in the industry for commercial transport.

A hydrogen fuel cell works through a type of electrochemical process. In this, a chemical reaction takes place between hydrogen and oxygen, which produces electricity. When hydrogen enters the fuel cell, it is divided into protons and electrons. Protons pass through a special membrane, while electrons pass through the external circuit and create electric current. This current powers the motor of the vehicle. The by-product of this entire process is only water and a little heat.

Although this hydrogen truck has been used for the first time in the mining sector in India, work is already going on on this technology all over the world. Companies like Toyota, Hyundai and Honda have already launched hydrogen-powered passenger cars in the market. For example, Toyota Mirai, Hyundai Nexo use hydrogen fuel.

However, recently Tata Motors has started the trial of hydrogen-powered heavy-duty trucks for the first time in India. This is a major achievement towards making long-distance cargo transportation more sustainable and environmentally friendly. This trial was flagged off by Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on March 4, 2025.