Pralhad Joshi Launches Hydrogen Mobility Pilot with Toyota Mirai FCEV Handover

Union Minister for New & Renewable Energy (MNRE), Pralhad Joshi, launched the Pilot Project for field trails on the Use of Hydrogen in the Mobility Sector, describing it as a major milestone in India's clean energy advancements. 

The launch featured the handover of Toyota's Mirai hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) to the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) for real-world testing. The minister personally drove the vehicle to the new Parliament building, highlighting its practical readiness for Indian roads.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari of course has been extolling, and using the vehicle since he first tried it in 2022, as part of the pilot project between Toyota Kirloaskar and International Center for Automotive Technology (ICAT).

Toyota Mirai FCEV Specifications

The Toyota 'Mirai', a second-generation hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicle (FCEV), produces electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, emitting only water vapour as a by-product. With a driving range of approximately 650 km and a refuelling time of under five minutes, it is among the world's most advanced and efficient zero-emission mobility solution.

Energy Aatma Nirbharta

The Minister underlined that green hydrogen is emerging globally as the backbone of future energy systems.  He said the collaboration, along with the handover of Toyota's Mirai hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) to NISE for real-world testing, brings innovation, industry expertise and scientific rigour to advance India's clean energy transition.

He noted that such collaborations strengthen ‘Energy Aatma Nirbharta’, promote innovative low-emission transportation solutions, and align with India's Panchamrit climate commitments, reaffirming the Government's confidence that green hydrogen will drive India's energy economy in the coming decades.

Calling the introduction of Toyota's 'Mirai' fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) ‘a new chapter for sustainable mobility,’ the Minister, said the name Mirai, meaning ‘Future’ in Japanese, symbolises India's aspiration for a clean, green and sustainable mobility ecosystem.

NISE's Comprehensive Real-World Evaluation

Under the MoU, NISE will conduct an extensive assessment of the FCEV Mirai in India's diverse road conditions, including heat, dust, traffic congestion and varied terrain. 

The Minister said the testing for next 2 years, will generate critical insights to scale up hydrogen mobility nationwide while building awareness, confidence and technical capability among industry, academia and policymakers.

Joshi said that by personally driving the hydrogen vehicle, he wish to send a clear message that hydrogen mobility is ready and well-suited for Indian conditions. 

"With this vehicle, we are launching not just an MoU but confidence, cooperation and commitment to a clean and sustainable future" the Minister said.

Minister of State for New & Renewable Energy, Shripad Yesso Naik highlighted that real-world testing of Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) technology such as the 'Toyota Mirai' demonstrates India's rapid movement from policy to experimentation and further towards commercialisation of hydrogen-based mobility solutions. He expressed confidence that the pilot project will contribute to the wider adoption of hydrogen-based clean transportation. 

Vikram Gulati, Country Head and Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs and Governance, Toyota Kirloskar Motor stated, "This partnership with the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) and the handover of the 'Toyota Mirai' for testing & Trails, reaffirm our dedication to supporting India's Green Hydrogen Mission and accelerating the nation's transition toward future mobility that is powered by green & indigenous energy sources. We believe hydrogen fuel-cell technology, alongside other sustainable public technologies, will play a pivotal role in helping India achieve its net-zero commitments and energy independence objectives."

After the event, Joshi drove the vehicle to the Parliament and noted that the new Parliament building, designed as a green building, is a fitting venue for showcasing advanced hydrogen mobility.