Bharat Benz, Reliance Showcase India’s First Hydrogen Fuel Cell Coach

Bharat Benz & Reliance showcased India’s first hydrogen fuel cell luxury coach in Goa.

Luxury bus manufacturer Bharat Benz and Reliance Industries recently unveiled India’s first Hydrogen Fuel Cell-driven luxury bus. It was showcased at the recent 14th Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM) at Goa.

The recently technology-based automobile solution was developed with the collaboration of the two companies to cater to the needs of inter-city commute. It was displayed for the public at Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium on July 22. The two business houses, through this collaboration are trying to explore the viability of this technology in transportation. 

“The concept is a collaboration between Bharat Benz and Reliance Industries, aiming to explore the viability of hydrogen fuel cell propulsion for future travel. This H2 Fuel Cell inter-city luxury concept coach is the result of a collaboration between Bharat Benz and Reliance Industries Limited and will be used to conduct an advanced engineering study to explore the viability of Hydrogen Fuel Cell as a propulsion alternative for the future,” Bharat Benz said. 

The hydrogen fuel cell propulsion technology uses a customized BharatBenz coach chassis. This is developed locally by Reliance Industries. The makers of the new technology bus claimed that it was crafted to offer a range of approximately 400 km.

“This study will also help understand how viable H2 Fuel Cell technology is for inter-city travel. The H2 Fuel Cell inter-city luxury coach concept has #BharatBenz engineering in its bones and Reliance Industries’ hydrogen fuel cell technology in its veins,” the firm said. 

Earlier attempts 

Union ministers Nitin Gadkar and RK Singh during the launch of Toyota Mirai in 2022. Source: PIB

In India, although this technology is quite new for the mobility segment, but some fragmented attempts have been made. In October 2022, Japanese car marker Toyota unveiled India’s first Green Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) Toyota and Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari became the first beneficiary of the car. However, the car was not launched by the car maker for the country. Although Toyota’s Hydrogen-fuel based Mirai is sold in some selected countries. Trials are now done in the country as well as in other countries to use this fuel for clean mobility.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor Pvt Ltd and International Center for Automotive Technology (ICAT) are conducting a Pilot Project to study and evaluate the world’s most advanced Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) Toyota Mirai which runs on hydrogen, on Indian roads and climatic conditions. This is a first of its kind project in India which aims to create a Green Hydrogen based ecosystem in the country by creating awareness about the unique utility of Green Hydrogen and FCEV technology.

Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV), powered by Hydrogen is one of the best Zero Emission solutions. It is completely environment friendly with no tailpipe emissions other than water, the Union Ministry of Transport had earlier said in a statement.