Hyundai Motor India signs MoU with Indian Oil to explore Hydrogen Fuel Cell vehicle viability in India

New Delhi: In a significant step toward promoting sustainable mobility solutions in India, Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indian Oil Corporation Limited (Indian Oil), the country’s largest energy company, to evaluate the feasibility of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) for mass adoption.

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Under the MoU, HMIL has handed over a Hyundai NEXO — its flagship hydrogen-powered FCEV — to Indian Oil to initiate real-world trials on Indian roads. The two-year pilot project will assess the vehicle’s durability and operational reliability over a distance of 40,000 km. The initiative also includes a Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) analysis encompassing periodic maintenance to understand the long-term economic and environmental benefits of hydrogen-based mobility solutions in India.

Speaking on the collaboration, the Managing Director of HMIL Unsoo Kim said, “As India’s foremost smart mobility solutions provider, it is our firm resolve to innovate with future-ready technology. By signing this MoU with Indian Oil, 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.”

Dr Alok Sharma, Director (R&D) and Board Member at Indian Oil, echoed similar sentiments, stating, “As India’s largest public-sector energy entity, IndianOil is proud to catalyze the Government of India’s vision of achieving energy security and reducing dependence on fossil fuel imports. Hydrogen fuel is a critical component of India’s clean energy roadmap, and this partnership with Hyundai will allow us to conduct in-depth studies and advance the potential of fuel cell technology in supporting India’s journey to net carbon neutrality.”

This partnership forms part of HMIL’s broader strategy to promote hydrogen mobility in India. The company is also working in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM) to establish a cutting-edge ‘Hydrogen Innovation Centre’. The facility is envisioned as a platform for startups and OEMs to test components and drive innovation in Green Hydrogen technology. With capabilities for pilot projects and deep R&D, the centre is expected to be a catalyst in accelerating India’s transition to a sustainable hydrogen ecosystem.

Globally, Hyundai Motor has established a strong presence in advanced propulsion technologies, including ICE, CNG, Flex-Fuel, Hybrid, Electric, and Hydrogen. Through its alliance with Indian Oil, HMIL aims to contribute to India’s ambitions of achieving carbon neutrality, energy security, and sustainable growth.

This initiative marks a crucial milestone in laying the groundwork for hydrogen-powered transportation in India and reinforces the commitment of both organisations to developing a greener mobility landscape.

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